Western Union, the leading global money transfer company, has conducted a study on traditions of Ramadan recently.

The study found that the majority of Muslims living and working overseas practise cultural and religious traditions during Ramadan even more devoutly than they did in their home countries, according to a statement.

Specifically, Muslims living and working overseas said their actions during Ramadan had changed after arriving in their new host countries, with half of respondents (50 percent) saying they fasted more and two in five (41 percent) sharing and giving more.

The Western Union study-- traditions of Ramadan by global citizens of Muslim faith -- was conducted in July by The Nielsen Company and covered Muslims of 11 nationalities including Bangladeshis living in 12 countries in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, the United States and Western Europe.

Overall, fasting (96 percent), sharing and giving (94 percent) arc the most widely practised of all traditions observed during Ramadan.

Two out of five surveyed said the love of family and friends, along with dedication to work, were the key factors motivating more fasting, praying, sharing and giving.

“Living in another country often brings different cultural influences along with new work and personal pressures. Global citizens of Muslim faith arc upholding Islamic traditions and are even more devout during the holy month of Ramadan,” said Drina Yue, managing director and senior vice president ofWestern Union, Asia Pacific.

“Western Union has been moving money for better, for more than 135 years. We know people move away from their home countries for many reasons, but a common factor is creating a better life for their families and loved ones through work opportunities,” she said.

The findings of the study were based on a survey of close to 550 Muslims emigrants originally from the Middle Eastern and North African countries of Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia and the South Asian countries of Bangladesh, India,