09.02.202601:42:29UTC+00Bangladesh Inflation Rate at 8-Month Low

In January 2026, Bangladesh experienced an increase in its annual inflation rate, reaching 8.58%, up from 8.49% in December 2025. This figure represents the highest rate recorded since May. The acceleration in inflation was primarily driven by rising costs in several categories, notably food and non-alcoholic beverages, which saw prices climb 8.29% compared to 7.71% in December. Similarly, housing and utilities rose to 8.48% from 7.97%, while recreation and culture increased to 8.64% from 8.41%. The category of miscellaneous goods and services experienced a significant rise of 21.06% from 19.7%. Conversely, some areas witnessed a moderation in price increases, including transport, which decreased to 6.55% from 7.28%, and alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and narcotics, which fell to 8.4% from 12.14%. Clothing and footwear prices adjusted downward to 11% from 12.11%, as did furnishings, household equipment, and routine maintenance, which eased to 6.6% from 7.56%. Other sectors such as health, communication, education, and the hospitality industry also saw a slowdown in price growth. Overall, on a month-to-month basis, consumer prices climbed by 0.23%, bouncing back from a 0.84% decline in the previous month.