Bangladesh’s inflation rate rose above 9 percent in February, marking the first time in nine months that overall price growth has crossed the threshold, further increasing pressure on consumers.
Data released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) on Sunday showed that the point-to-point inflation rate stood at 9.13 percent in February, up from 8.58 percent in January.
The latest figure is also the highest in 10 months. Inflation was last higher in April last year, when it reached 9.17 percent.
The increase was mainly driven by rising food prices in local markets. According to BBS, food inflation climbed to 9.30 percent in February, up from 8.29 percent in January, continuing a five-month upward trend.
Meanwhile, non-food inflation also increased during the month, reaching 9.01 percent, compared with 8.81 percent in January. Higher costs in sectors such as housing, transport, clothing and healthcare contributed to the rise.
The latest data shows that inflation has increased for four consecutive months, adding to the financial pressure on middle- and low-income households.
Bangladesh has been experiencing persistent high inflation for more than three years. The average inflation rate in 2025 stood at 8.77 percent, according to official statistics.
The impact of inflation is particularly significant for wage earners. BBS data showed that the national wage growth rate was 8.06 percent in February, which remained below the inflation rate, meaning many workers are effectively losing purchasing power.
Economists often describe inflation as a form of “hidden tax”, as rising prices reduce the real value of income if wages do not increase at the same pace.
For example, if a basket of goods and services cost Tk100 in February last year, a 9.13 percent inflation rate means the same basket would cost about Tk109.13 this February.
Despite the central bank maintaining a tight monetary policy to control prices, inflationary pressures remain strong due to high food costs, supply constraints and global economic uncertainties