Dhaka, Ctg dominate March remittance

Bangladesh's two largest administrative divisions - Dhaka and Chattogram - accounted for more than four-fifths of the total remittance inflows in March, signifying their continued dominance in overseas migration and foreign -currency earnings.
According to a Bangladesh Bank report released on Thursday, the combined share of the two divisions stood at 81 per cent of the total remittance receipts that month, continuing a trend seen over the past nine months of the current fiscal year.

Bangladesh received a record $3.75 billion in remittances in March, supported by strong inflows through formal banking channels and a steady outflow of migrant workers.
The central bank data shows the Chattogram division gradually increased its share of remittance inflows since September last year, while Dhaka - traditionally the largest contributor - saw a moderate decline.
In September, Dhaka accounted for 54 per cent of the country's total remittances, compared with 27 per cent for Chattogram.
By the end of March, Dhaka's share fell to 50 per cent, while Chattogram's contribution rose to 31 per cent.
Officials at the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment say the strong contribution from the two divisions largely resulted from migration networks and historical trends.
"A migrant worker often encourages his relatives, neighbours, or friends to follow the same path. This peer influence plays a significant role in migration decisions," a senior ministry official says.
The official adds that Chattogram historically recorded a higher tendency for overseas migration due to its long-standing exposure to international trade and port activities, while residents of Dhaka generally have greater awareness of overseas employment opportunities.
The ministry, however, says it has stepped up efforts to increase overseas employment and remittance inflows from other parts of the country.
Officials say expatriate welfare desks have been established at the district level to provide migration-related services and counselling.
The state-owned Probashi Kallyan Bank is also offering migration loans of up to Tk 300,000 at an interest rate of 8.0 per cent to prospective workers seeking jobs abroad.
They need passports and visas as mandatory documents, among others.
An additional secretary at the ministry says districts that previously recorded weak remittance contributions, including Chapainawabganj, are now showing improvements due to government initiatives.
The government is also expanding technical training facilities nationwide to improve workers' skills before migration.
Around 40 upazila-level  technical training centres (TTCs) have already been established, according to ministry officials.
The authorities expect the centres to help create a larger pool of skilled workers capable of securing higher-paying overseas jobs and contributing more to the country's remittance earnings.
jasimharoon@yahoo.com