Overall inflation in Bangladesh rose to 8.58 percent in January, marking the third consecutive monthly increase, as food prices continued to accelerate ahead of Ramadan, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).
Food inflation climbed to 8.29 percent last month, rising nearly 0.6 percentage points from 7.71 percent in December, intensifying pressure on household budgets as families prepare for the holy month, when demand for essential commodities typically increases. Food inflation stood at 7. 36 percent in November.
The surge in food prices comes at a particularly challenging time for consumers, with Ramadan expected to begin in less than two weeks.
Non-food inflation, however, showed some easing, falling to 8.81 percent in January from 9.13 percent a month earlier, reflecting lower price pressures in areas including clothing, transport, housing and other services.
Overall inflation has followed an upward trajectory as well in recent months, increasing from 8.17 percent in October to 8.29 percent in November, and 8.49 percent in December.