Dhaka: Over 11 lakh Bangladeshi workers migrated abroad in 2025, generating a significant remittance inflow of $15,791 million by late December, according to a ministry official. This development comes as the government emphasizes manpower export as a key sector, implementing strategic measures to send workers abroad with employment opportunities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the trend of rising remittance inflows has been ongoing since fiscal year 2024-25, with remittance figures surpassing $30 billion for the first time. This marks a remarkable increase of $6.4 billion from the previous fiscal period, a record high since the $24.8 billion received in fiscal year 2020-21.
Recruiting agents and workers' rights groups noted setbacks in traditional destinations like Malaysia, but the exploration of new markets and heightened demand for Bangladeshi labor in various countries have helped counter these challenges. Bangladesh Bank data also shows that remittances sent by expatriates from July to December 27, 2025, totaled $15,791 million, up from $13,545 million in the same period the previous year.
The Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training (BMET) highlighted that a significant portion of the workforce, 744,619 individuals, found employment in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Qatar and Singapore welcomed 106,805 and 69,491 Bangladeshi workers, respectively, over the last year.
Efforts to expand worker destinations include new opportunities in Russia, Brunei Darussalam, and Eastern Europe, targeting both skilled and semi-skilled labor markets. Additionally, the government has invested in numerous training centers and skill development programs, offering various technical and language courses to enhance jobseekers' capabilities.
As Bangladesh continues to prioritize documented overseas employment, these initiatives are expected to bolster foreign currency earnings while ensuring the rights and protection of its migrant workers. Experts suggest further investment in developing need-based skilled manpower, particularly in the healthcare sector, to meet growing international demand.