Bangladesh’s overall inflation rose further in December, driven mainly by faster increases in food prices, according to the Economic Update & Outlook (January 2026) released on 25 January by the General Economics Division of the Planning Commission.
General inflation climbed to 8.49 per cent in December from 8.29 per cent in November, reflecting renewed pressure from the food basket alongside persistently high non-food inflation.
Food inflation rose to 7.71 per cent in December from 7.36 per cent a month earlier, while non-food inflation remained elevated at 9.13 per cent, indicating continued cost pressures beyond food items.
The report said the acceleration in food inflation during the month was largely driven by higher prices of fish and other protein items, although rice inflation continued its downward trend across all categories, offering some relief to consumers.
Despite inflationary pressures, the report highlighted several positive developments in the broader economy, with external sector stability improving on the back of export recovery, strong remittance inflows and resilient import demand.
Bank deposits maintained double-digit growth, while private sector credit growth recorded a modest uptick in November, according to the report.
On the fiscal front, the government has finalised the FY2025–26 Annual Development Programme in line with budget priorities, aiming to support economic growth and social development.
The report also highlighted the launch of a Sustainable Development Goals village piloting initiative by the General Economics Division to advance localisation of the global goals.
As part of the pilot phase, three villages—Telikhali in Khulna, Sonar Para in Kurigram and Mitingachori in Rangamati—have been selected to implement an integrated, village-level development framework.
The initiative will involve baseline surveys, need-based interventions, resource mobilisation and a monitoring and evaluation framework, with lessons expected to inform scaling up in other lagging regions.
The report said the initiative aims to operationalise national Sustainable Development Goals priorities at the grassroots level by addressing multidimensional development gaps in a coordinated and inclusive manner.
