Remittances Hit $2.97 Billion In August; Reserves Stand At $37.41 Billion

In August, expatriate Bangladeshis sent $2.96 billion, a major 22.5 percent year-over-year rise over $2.42 billion in the same month the previous year. Industry insiders credit this growth to stability in the foreign currency market, higher demand for legal channels, easier access to banks, faster financial transfers, and strict regulations against illegal hundi activities. Remittances reached $5.82 billion for the first two months of the fiscal year 2026–2027, up 18.9 percent from $4.89 billion over the same time in the previous fiscal year. August inflows also surpassed July’s total of $2.85 billion by 3.8 percent.

According to official Bangladesh Bank data, the nation’s foreign exchange reserves were $37.41 billion as of September 1st, despite this positive remittance pattern. While reserves estimated under the international BPM6 standard were $32,496.60 million, or around $32.50 billion, gross reserves were $37,407.46 million. Bangladesh Bank’s Executive Director and Spokesperson, Mr. Arif Hossain Khan, verified this financial update, stressing out that the central bank regularly releases both gross statistics and BPM6-compliant data to account for adjustments and excluded liabilities.

Reserves recorded a minor weekly decline, with BPM6 reserves decreasing by approximately $119.90 million and gross reserves reduced by nearly $59.72 million from the August 24 figures. Even though remittances are the main factor affecting the supply and growth of foreign exchange, total reserves frequently change as a result of necessary national expenses like import payments, the settlement of different international debts, and central bank market operations.

Bangladesh Bank keeps close watch on these economic indicators as consistent remittance inflows reduce external pressures. Transparency about the country’s actual financial situation is ensured by the dual reporting method under gross and BPM6 standards, which balances the significant profits made through legal remittance channels against ongoing macroeconomic obligations and foreign exchange settlements.