Inflation major concern among voters: Survey

Persistently high inflation and soaring prices of essential commodities are increasingly squeezing household incomes, making price control one of the most prominent issues in Bangladesh’s political debate ahead of the upcoming national election.

These concerns were raised at a citizens’ dialogue jointly organised by Democracy International (DI) and The Business Standard (TBS) on Monday (5 January), says a press release.

Presenting findings from a public opinion survey conducted in November, Aminul Ehsan, deputy chief of party at Democracy International, said that 33 percent of voters remain undecided. “To earn the confidence of these voters, political parties must present clear and credible plans to control prices,” he said.

The survey further found that 55 percent of respondents believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, with rising prices identified as one of the key reasons.

Dr Touficul Islam Khan, additional director (Research) at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), warned that inflation has consistently outpaced wage growth, resulting in a steady erosion of real incomes. “This trend is having adverse effects on poverty, health, education, and nutrition, placing overall social wellbeing at risk,” he said.

From the political arena, Mahmuda Habiba, a member of BNP’s media cell, said the party would implement a coordinated two-phase strategy to stabilise prices if elected. “Without strong political decisions to dismantle market syndicates, increasing imports alone will not bring relief to consumers,” she said.

Jamaat-e-Islami representative Mardia Momtaz emphasised the need to strengthen the role of research and experts in managing prices and the broader economy. She noted that involving technocrats through a proposed upper chamber could lead to more effective policymaking.

Other speakers at the dialogue included Daulat Akter Mala, president of the Economic Reporters’ Forum; Ferdaous Ara Begum, CEO of Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD); Humaira Noor, joint member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP); Abul Hasan Rubel, general secretary of Ganosamhati Andolon; and Sharifuzzaman Sharif, former president of the Student Union.

The session was moderated by Sakhawat Liton, executive editor of The Business Standard, and concluded with a vote of thanks from Catherine Cecil, chief of party at Democracy International.

The programme was organised under the FCDO-funded B-SPACE project.