Preference on sending remittances thru bKash growing among expats

During the first half of Ramadan this year, expatriates have sent over Tk 900cr remittances through bKash. This substantial volume reflects their growing preference on the platform's remittance service, which is easy, safe and instant. Especially, expatriates are using this service more to send remittances ahead of the holy Ramadan and Eid. As a result, in the first 15 days of Ramadan this year, remittance inflow through bKash has surged by 86% compared to the previous year. Expatriates from over 140 countries are using bKash to connect with their loved ones during Eid and contribute to the nation's foreign exchange reserves.

Remittances play a vital role in stabilising the country’s economy and bKash has created a robust ecosystem for collecting those. Currently, remittances from over 140 countries sent through more than a hundred international money transfer operators (MTOs). They are being settled at 25 top commercial banks back home and instantly delivered to the bKash accounts of expatriates' loved ones. Therefore, whether it's a moment of celebration, regular times, or urgent needs, expatriates rely on bKash's remittance service to send money to their loved ones most easily and securely, says a press release.

Now relatives of expatriates can cash out remittances at a lower cost of Tk 7 per thousand from around 2,500 ATM booths of 19 commercial banks across the country. They can avail of this low-cost cash out facility from the ATM booths through USSD channel *247# and bKash app.

Meanwhile, the loved ones of expatriates living in the country are receiving the full amount instantly with a government incentive of Tk 25 per thousand. Through this, they are shopping for Eid and availing of other services like paying utility bills, using send money, mobile recharge, payment of educational institution or government fees, opening savings, NGO loan instalment payments, zakat-fitrah, donation etc. from the comfort of their home.