Dhaka division gets nearly half of remittances in December

Dhaka division remained the largest recipient of remittances in December, receiving nearly half of the total inflows, as migrant earnings continued to strengthen foreign currency reserves and support millions of households, according to a report by Bangladesh Bank (BB).

In December 2025, the Dhaka division received $1.60 billion, accounting for 49.93 percent of the country’s total remittances.

Chattogram division ranked second, receiving $958.45 million, or 29.73 percent of the total, while the Sylhet division came third with $267.63 million, representing 8.30 percent.

“In the current political and economic situation, marked by inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, and higher import costs, remittances have provided much-needed relief by strengthening foreign currency reserves and supporting millions of households across the country,” the central bank said in its monthly report.

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District-level data showed that Dhaka district received the highest remittances at $1.15 billion. Other major recipients included Chattogram district with $360.56 million, Cumilla district with $181.89 million, and Sylhet district with $146.02 million.

Among source countries, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were the top two, sending $489.41 million and $476.04 million, respectively. The United Kingdom ranked third, contributing $404.21 million during the month.

Bangladesh Bank said remittances have been essential for maintaining economic stability amid global uncertainty and domestic challenges. It added that overseas employment plays a key role in reducing poverty and unemployment in a densely populated country like Bangladesh.

Data from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment, and Training showed that 18.07 million people received licences for overseas employment between 1976 and December 2025.

Total remittances reached $3,223.67 million in December 2025, marking a 22.17 percent increase compared to the same month a year earlier.

During the first half of the current fiscal year (July-December 2025-26), remittance inflows rose to $16,261.17 million, which was 46.01 percent higher than in the same period of the previous fiscal year.

Among scheduled banks, Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC received the highest remittances, handling $671.87 million in December. Bangladesh Krishi Bank and Janata Bank PLC ranked second and third, processing $353.52 million and $281.86 million, respectively.

The central bank said that remittance inflows usually increase during religious festivals and towards the end of the calendar and fiscal year.