Bangladesh’s point-to-point inflation rose slightly to 9.35 per cent in March 2025, up from 9.32 per cent in February, driven by higher non-food prices, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).
While food inflation eased to 8.93 per cent (from 9.24 per cent in February), non-food inflation increased to 9.70 per cent (from 9.38 per cent), highlighting shifting price pressures in the economy.
Rural vs urban divide
Rural areas saw inflation dip to 9.41 per cent (from 9.51 per cent), with food inflation falling to 8.81 per cent (from 9.15 per cent). However, non-food inflation crept up to 9.97 per cent (from 9.85 per cent).
Urban areas experienced a steeper rise, with overall inflation climbing to 9.66 per cent (from 9.34 per cent). Food inflation dropped to 9.18 per cent (from 9.47 per cent), but non-food inflation jumped to 9.95 per cent (from 9.27 per cent).
Long-term trends
The 12-month average inflation (April 2024–March 2025) stood at 10.26 per cent, up from 9.69 per cent a year earlier, indicating persistent inflationary pressures.
Meanwhile, the wage rate index saw a marginal increase to 8.15 per cent in March (from 8.12 per cent in February), failing to keep pace with rising living costs.