Remittances reach $1.8b in first 18 days of July

Bangladesh received nearly $1.8 billion in remittances during the first 18 days of July, marking a strong start to the 2026-27 fiscal year, according to Bangladesh Bank data released on Sunday.

Expatriate Bangladeshis sent $1.798 billion through formal banking channels between July 1 and July 18, up from $1.496 billion during the same period a year earlier.

The inflow increased by $302 million, or 20.2 percent, compared with the corresponding period of the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Remittance receipts remained steady throughout the month, with $161 million arriving between July 16 and July 18. Migrant workers had sent $567 million during the first five days of July.

The rise has been attributed to increased use of formal banking channels and government incentives aimed at encouraging expatriates to avoid informal money-transfer systems.

The stronger inflow is expected to support Bangladesh’s foreign-exchange reserves, help cover import payments and ease pressure on the balance of payments.