Remittances Near $10 Billion Amid Migrant Workers’ Security in Talks
Bangladesh received nearly $10 billion in workers’ remittances in the first three and a half months of FY2026–27, up 12.9% from the same period last year.
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In a Nutshell
- Remittances reached $9.997 billion from July 1 to October 13, compared with $8.856 billion a year earlier.
- Inflows during October 1–13 totalled $1.405 billion, a 10.6% increase year on year.
- Expatriate Bangladeshis sent $115 million on October 13 alone, Bangladesh Bank data show.
- Bangladesh received a record $35.589 billion in remittances during FY2025–26, up 17.3% from the previous year.
- Gross foreign exchange reserves stood at $36.19 billion on October 14; reserves calculated under the IMF’s BPM6 method were $31.39 billion.
Context
Remittances have continued to rise in the opening months of FY2026–27. Bangladesh Bank data show receipts of $2.859 billion in July, $2.968 billion in August and $2.766 billion in September. The latest BSS report puts inflows at nearly $10 billion from July 1 to October 13, 12.9% higher than the same period last year.
The increase follows a record FY2025–26, when remittances reached $35.589 billion. These inflows are a major source of foreign currency for Bangladesh, alongside export earnings and other external receipts. Gross reserves were $36.19 billion on October 14, while the BPM6 measure was $31.39 billion.
Why It Matters
Nearly $10 billion in remittances strengthens Bangladesh’s foreign-currency position and also shows the continuing contribution of Bangladeshis working abroad. Receipts rose 12.9% between July 1 and October 13 compared with the same period last year.
At the same time, more than 3.5 million Bangladeshis work in Saudi Arabia and send home nearly one-fifth of Bangladesh’s total remittances. Recent safety threats in Saudi Arabia show the risks faced by the workers behind these figures. Short flight suspensions may not immediately reduce foreign-exchange reserves. But airport disruptions seriously affect migrant workers. Thousands face expiring visas, missed joining dates and safety risks. Bangladesh’s economic stability depends not only on remittance figures, but also on protecting its workers abroad.
What We Think
Record remittance is a sign of growth, and in order to maintain such growth we have to also look into the safety risks Bangladeshi workers face. Bangladeshi authorities may look into the matter seriously to give workers safety advice and discuss visa extensions. The country’s economic growth depends also on protecting migrant workers, not only on the money they send home.