report in Dhaka Tribune, Mar 28, 2023
Rice, sugar, soybean oil and beef are more expensive in Bangladesh than in other developing or developed countries, according to the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
The think tank also found that at least 28 imported basic food items presently suffer a high incidence of tax.
Whilst inflationary pressures had been growing in Bangladesh prior to the Russia-Ukraine war, the international crisis provided an excuse, where commodity prices that had previously climbed in the international market have now reduced, but this has had little effect on the local market.
Furthermore, the recent sharp swings in energy costs have increased the cost of living in Bangladesh, so CPD recommended that a “special increment” be given to all officers and employees in the public and private sectors to relieve some of the pressure on people with limited incomes in the face of high inflation.
CPD made these recommendations during their annual “CPD’s Recommendations for the National Budget FY2023-24.”
The keynote paper was presented by Fahmida Khatun, executive director of CDP……
https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2023/03/27/evening-brief-231
