Since 1 January 2022 the Bangladesh government has paid a 2.5 % cash incentive on every dollar sent home through formal channels. The goal: keep money out of hundi networks and shore-up foreign-exchange reserves. With record remittances topping $27 billion in FY 2024-25, that bonus now puts an extra ৳2.50 on every ৳100 your family receives
Reference:
1. Who Is Eligible?
| Requirement | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Sender | Bangladeshi citizen or former citizen working abroad; not paid by a BD government or autonomous body | WorldRemit |
| Channel | Licensed Money Transfer Operator (Wise, Remitly, Xoom, Western Union) or bank SWIFT wire | help.riamoneytransfer.com |
| Amount | ≤ ৳500,000 per transaction auto-qualifies; larger amounts require income proof | help.riamoneytransfer.com |
| Purpose | Wage earnings, compensation payments, pensions; capital transfers not covered | TBS News |
2. How Much Extra Will My Family Receive?
| USD Sent | FX @ ৳121.0 | Cash Incentive (2.5 %) | Total BDT Delivered |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | ৳12,100 | ৳303 | ৳12,403 |
| $500 | ৳60,500 | ৳1,513 | ৳62,013 |
| $1,000 | ৳121,000 | ৳3,025 | ৳124,025 |
| $5,000 | ৳605,000 | Requires docs | ৳620,125 |
Tip: Transfers over ৳500k (~$4,130) still earn the bonus—just supply proof of overseas income (payslip or work contract) when your Bangladeshi bank asks.
3. Step-by-Step: Claiming the 2.5 %
- Send through a licensed service – e.g., choose “Bank Deposit” on Wise or “bKash” on Remitly.
- Provide accurate NID/passport & bank info for the beneficiary.
- Keep the receipt (MT103/MTCN); your relative may need it if the bank delays the top-up.
- Check the beneficiary’s account – most banks credit the incentive within 72 hours of receiving the principal. If it’s missing after five business days, file a query with the branch quoting Bangladesh Bank circular FEPD(LDA)147/2019/7600. hsbc.com.bd
4. Latest News: Will the Rate Rise to 4 %?
Policy researchers and migrant-rights groups urged the Finance Ministry in February 2025 to lift the bonus to 4 % to offset a weaker taka and climbing transfer costs. No draft budget or circular has confirmed the increase—so the incentive remains 2.5 % as of April 27 2025. TBS News
5. Common Reasons the Bonus Fails to Post
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| Sender name doesn’t match passport | Update profile in the MTO before re-sending |
| Beneficiary type = business account | Incentive applies only to personal accounts; switch to individual |
| Formal channel used, but amount > ৳500k and no documents supplied | Submit income certificate, stamped employer letter, or tax return |
| Transfer routed via third-party aggregator lacking BD Bank code | Choose a service with direct settlement (Wise, Remitly, Xoom) |
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Is the incentive taxable?
No. It is a government grant, not income.
Does bKash credit the bonus instantly?
Usually within minutes, because bKash auto-matches the inbound SWIFT tag “INCE.”
Can non-resident Bangladeshis with foreign passports qualify?
Yes—dual nationals and NRBs who have taken foreign citizenship are included. WorldRemit
Will incentives end after FY 2025-26?
Nothing official. The central bank’s latest circular budgets funds through June 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Use any formal channel and meet ID requirements—no extra forms for amounts ≤ ৳500k.
- The 2.5 % bonus is automatic; chase your bank if it isn’t credited within three days.
- Talk of a 4 % rate is only a proposal; stay tuned to Bangladesh Bank circulars for changes.