Bangladesh's $23 Billion Remittance Boost: Economic Lifeline or Labour Market Disruptor?

April 29, 2025
Bangladesh's $23 Billion Remittance Boost: Economic Lifeline or Labour Market Disruptor?
  • Research indicates that remittances particularly reduce labour force participation among recipients, as they are often perceived as 'non-work money'.

  • The study titled 'Analysing the Impact of Remittance on the Labour Force Participation Rate: Evidence from Bangladesh' utilized data from 1991 to 2022 to explore these complex relationships.

  • Despite the significance of remittances, few studies have employed advanced econometric techniques to thoroughly analyze their impacts on labour force participation, highlighting a gap in existing research.

  • Contrasting studies reveal that while remittances do not significantly affect men's labour force participation, they can promote self-employment through investments in entrepreneurship.

  • While these remittances can enhance living standards, they may also discourage participation in the domestic labour market, fostering a reliance on external income.

  • Remittances contribute to long-term labour market engagement by funding education and skill development, as well as providing capital for small businesses.

  • To maximize the positive impact of remittances on the labour market, policymakers are encouraged to create environments that direct remittance inflows into productive investments and human capital development.

  • Overall, remittances have a mixed effect on the labour market, influencing both participation rates and economic stability.

  • In 2023, personal remittances in Bangladesh reached approximately $23 billion, making up five percent of the country's GDP, which has significantly aided in poverty reduction and increased household spending.

  • Findings suggest that there is no short-run impact of remittances on labour force participation; however, a positive long-term effect exists, with a one-unit increase in remittances correlating to a 0.00267 unit increase in participation rates.

  • The exchange rate also plays a crucial role in labour force participation; a depreciation is linked to a 0.06890 unit increase in participation, suggesting that it enhances export competitiveness and creates more employment opportunities.

  • Stability in exchange rates is vital to reduce labour market distortions, especially in sectors sensitive to trade and remittances, thereby promoting more resilient labour market outcomes.

Summary based on 1 source


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How remittances shape labour market dynamics

The Daily Star • Apr 28, 2025

How remittances shape labour market dynamics

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