Bangladesh sent about 11.17 lakh workers abroad between January and December this year, with remittances reaching $15.79 billion over the period, according to an official.
Manpower export remains a priority sector, the official said, adding that the government has adopted a “realistic approach” to overseas employment by facilitating job placements abroad.
Bangladesh deployed around 13.04 lakh overseas workers in 2023, while the number stood at some 10.12 lakh in 2024, the official said.
Data from Bangladesh Bank showed expatriates sent $15.79 billion in remittances between July and December 27, 2025, compared with $13.55 billion in the same period a year earlier.
In fiscal year 2024–25, remittance inflows crossed $30 billion for the first time, rising by a record $6.4 billion, Bangladesh Bank data showed. The previous peak was $24.8 billion in fiscal year 2020–21.
Recruiting agents and migrant workers’ rights groups said overseas employment faced setbacks in some traditional destinations, including Malaysia. They said new destinations and stronger demand for Bangladeshi workers in several countries helped offset those losses.
Remittance inflows have shown a rising trend since December last year, supported by a narrowing gap between official and informal exchange rates and a crackdown on money laundering, according to a private bank official.
Data from Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training showed that about 7.45 lakh Bangladeshi workers went to Saudi Arabia during the period, while Qatar received roughly 1.07 lakh.
Singapore took in 69,491 Bangladeshi jobseekers over the past 11 months and 28 days.
The government said it is working to increase overseas employment while ensuring migrant workers’ rights and protection. Authorities have also explored new destinations, including Russia, Brunei Darussalam and parts of Eastern Europe, for skilled and semi-skilled workers.
Bangladesh Bank data showed expatriates sent $26.89 billion in remittances from January 1 to December 31, 2024.
Experts said expatriates typically remit savings after meeting regular and necessary expenses abroad. They added that Bangladesh should invest in need-based skilled manpower, such as nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers, as global demand is expected to rise.
The government has established training centres across districts and expanded skill development programmes covering trades such as shipbuilding engineering, refrigeration and air-conditioning, general mechanics, electrical maintenance, welding, catering, masonry, and foreign language training.
Authorities have also encouraged documented overseas employment as a key source of foreign currency earnings.
