BD remittances jump $5.26bn, UK leads growth

Bangladesh received $35.59 billion in remittances in the 2025-26 fiscal year, an increase of $5.26 billion from the previous year, as inflows from most major source countries rose significantly.

Remittance inflows increased from $30.33 billion in FY2024-25 to $35.59 billion in FY2025-26, according to figures presented in parliament on Thursday.

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury disclosed the figures in response to a written question from Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, a lawmaker from a reserved women’s seat.

Moni had sought information on the amount of remittances Bangladesh received from different countries during FY2024-25 and FY2025-26.

She also asked how a portion of remittances sent by expatriate Bangladeshis was used for public welfare activities, including at educational institutions, and what activities were carried out with those funds during the two fiscal years.

Saudi Arabia remains the largest source
Saudi Arabia remained Bangladesh’s largest source of remittances, with inflows from the country rising sharply during the year.

Remittances from Saudi Arabia increased to $5.84 billion in FY2025-26, up from $4.26 billion in the previous fiscal year.

The United Kingdom recorded the biggest increase among the major remittance sources, with inflows jumping to $5.72 billion from $3.17 billion. The increase was about 60% in a single year.

The United Arab Emirates also recorded higher inflows, with remittances rising from $4.17 billion to $4.584 billion.

Meanwhile, remittances from Malaysia increased from $2.804 billion to $3.40 billion.

Remittances rise from several countries
The increase was not limited to the major Gulf destinations. A number of countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and other regions also recorded higher remittance inflows during FY2025-26.

Remittances from Oman rose from $1.66 billion to $2.48 billion, while inflows from Italy increased from $1.65 billion to $2.51 billion.

Kuwait sent $1.76 billion in remittances, compared with $1.62 billion a year earlier.

Remittances from Qatar increased from $1.20 billion to $1.55 billion.

Singapore recorded a particularly notable rise. Inflows from the country increased from $989 million to $1.49 billion.

Remittances from South Africa also rose substantially, increasing from $403 million to $669 million.

Several European countries recorded higher inflows as well.

Remittances from France increased from $335.59 million to $471.44 million, while inflows from Greece rose from $185.11 million to $203.82 million.
Jordan recorded an increase from $168.17 million to $246.36 million.

Meanwhile, remittances from Australia rose from $197.9 million to $258.16 million.

US, Canada buck the trend
The overall increase in remittances came despite sharp declines from some important source countries, particularly the United States and Canada.

The United States recorded the biggest fall among the countries listed in the parliamentary figures.

Remittances from the US dropped to $3.33 billion in FY2025-26, from $4.73 billion in FY2024-25, representing a decline of around 35.9%.

Canada also saw a steep decline. Remittance inflows from the country fell from $221 million to $110 million, a drop of roughly 50%.

In addition, remittances from the Maldives and Mauritius declined during the fiscal year.

Broad-based growth
The latest figures show that Bangladesh’s overall remittance growth was supported by higher inflows from a wide range of countries.

While Saudi Arabia remained the single largest source, the sharp rise in remittances from the UK was particularly significant. The UK figure increased by around $2.55 billion in one year, bringing it close to Saudi Arabia in terms of annual remittance contributions.

Higher inflows from countries including the UAE, Malaysia, Oman, Italy, Singapore, Qatar, Kuwait and several European countries helped offset the declines recorded in the US, Canada, Maldives and Mauritius.

The figures were presented in parliament as part of the government’s response to questions regarding both the country-wise flow of remittances and the use of expatriate Bangladeshis’ contributions for public welfare activities.

The lawmaker had specifically sought details on welfare initiatives, including activities undertaken at educational institutions, using a portion of remittance-related funds during FY2024-25 and FY2025-26.