Dhaka, May 20 -- A dramatic surge in remittances ahead of Eid-ul-Azha is pushing Bangladesh towards what could become the highest monthly foreign currency inflow in the country's history.

On Wednesday, Bangladesh Bank spokesman Arief Hossain Khan said expatriates sent nearly $2.5 billion home in the first 19 days of May alone, as migrant workers accelerated transfers ahead of the festival.

The central bank expects the momentum to continue until Eid, set to be celebrated on May 28.

"May could see a remittance record. It may cross the $4 billion milestone," Bangladesh Bank Executive Director Arief told bdnews24.com.

Central bank data shows Bangladesh received $2.48 billion in remittances by Wednesday during the first 19 days of May -- a...