Economists blame rising bad debt, soaring prices and illicit fund flows on central bank’s waning independence

Bangladesh Bank has hiked the policy rate on 11 occasions since May 2022

An economy cannot thrive on the optimism of a few while the majority remain weighed down by despair.

A year on, interim government stabilises economy but slows crucial reform initiatives

It came down to 9.17% in April from March’s 9.35%

The efficacy of various policy measures undertaken by the government has been questioned.

To stabilise prices, the government should focus on improving storage and distribution networks for key commodities

Inflation in Bangladesh eased for the second consecutive month in January, driven by stable food prices due mainly to an abundant supply of winter vegetables to the local market.

Inflation-controlling measures will be taken in February, March and April, says Salehuddin Ahmed

Take proper steps based on its recommendations

Inflation has been identified as the biggest risk to Bangladesh in 2025, according to a World Economic Forum (WEF) report released on Wednesday.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) releases Global Risks Report 2025

There is no certainty that the economic aspects won’t deteriorate further.

Until the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government in 2024, Bangladesh's economy was heavily shaped by rampant corruption, plundering, and illicit asset transfers.

People are switching to shampoo mini-packs from regular bottles, women are sacrificing their tiny luxuries of cosmetic puffs while households are embracing cheap but substandard detergents for laundry: this is exactly what happens when brutal price pressures push around 78 lakh people below the poverty line in just two years and stalk another 1 crore to do so.

After a four-month lull, US dollar prices made an abrupt jump in December, making imports more expensive and pushing up business costs.

We need prompt, effective measures that can support the poor as well as help curb inflation.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday admitted that the interim government has not yet been able to control inflation but expressed his belief that it would come down soon.

Consumer financing has slowed as people are adopting a go-slow strategy for taking loans, considering the increasing trend of interest rates amid ongoing inflationary pressure.

Inflation refuses to budge. Part of the reason may be honest disclosure of what the data is saying.