Dhaka, Chattogram receive 80pc of remittances in 1st half of FY26

Business Report :

Dhaka and Chattogram divisions received four-fifths of Bangladesh’s total remittances in the first quarter of the 2025–26 fiscal year, underscoring a long-standing regional disparity in inflows.

According to the Bangladesh Bank’s latest report on workers’ remittances, the country received $7.58 billion in remittances during July–September 2025. Of this, Dhaka alone accounted for $4.22 billion, marking a sharp 33 percent year-on-year increase, while Chattogram received $1.89 billion, a modest 5 percent growth.

In total, Dhaka contributed more than half of all remittances, and Chattogram received one-fourth, leaving the remaining six divisions to share just 20 percent of total inflows.

Bangladesh recorded a 16 percent year-on-year growth in overall remittances during the period, up from $6.54 billion a year earlier.

Regional Gaps Persist
Bangladesh Bank data shows that remittance inflows fell in all divisions except Dhaka and Chattogram, though Mymensingh saw a slight rise in its share.Rangpur received the lowest amount, followed by Mymensingh, Barishal and Rajshahi.

Towfiqul Islam Khan, additional director (research) at the Centre for Policy Dialogue, said the imbalance is rooted in migration patterns.

“People usually get overseas jobs through family networks. So, we see higher inflows in districts like Madaripur and Noakhali,” he said.

Syed Mahbubur Rahman, MD and CEO of Mutual Trust Bank PLC, said that although many migrant workers come from Chattogram, their beneficiaries often live in Dhaka.

He added that the average remittance transaction size might be higher in Dhaka compared to other regions.

Pubali Bank MD and CEO Mohammad Ali noted that mobile financial services (MFS) now play a major role in remittance transfers. “We transfer most of the remittances coming to our bank through MFS,” he said.

Gulf Countries Lead Inflows
Saudi Arabia home to over 20 lakh Bangladeshi workers remained the top source of remittances, followed by the UK, UAE and Malaysia.Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC handled the highest volume of remittance transfers.

Remittances Continue to Support the Economy
Bangladesh Bank said remittances remain vital for economic stability amid inflation, currency volatility, and high import costs.

“Remittances have helped bolster foreign reserves and supported millions of households,” the central bank said.They have also contributed to poverty reduction, improved living standards, and post-pandemic recovery.

Since 1976, 1.58 crore Bangladeshis have received licences from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) to work abroad.