Rising Food Inflation Raises Concern in Bangladesh, World Bank Flags High Risk

Food inflation in Bangladesh has emerged as a major concern, with the country now placed on the World Bank’s “red list” of high-risk nations due to persistently elevated food prices.

According to the latest available data, prolonged increases in food costs are increasingly affecting the daily lives of ordinary citizens across the country.

While the World Bank last published a global snapshot of food inflation up to November 2025, the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) has released updated figures through February 2026.

BBS data shows that food inflation in Bangladesh rose to 9.30 percent in February this year—the highest level recorded in the past 13 months. Previously, food inflation had peaked at 10.72 percent in January 2025. Although it declined somewhat afterward, it has been steadily rising again over the past five months.

Inflation in non-food sectors also remains high, reaching 9.1 percent in February.

Economists warn that this trend is placing the greatest burden on low- and middle-income households, as a significant portion of their income is spent on food—often up to two-thirds. Even small increases in food prices can therefore have a substantial impact on their standard of living.

In practical terms, items that cost 100 taka a year ago now require about 109.30 taka, meaning an increase of 9.30 taka per 100. As a result, many families are being forced to either rely on loans or reduce their food consumption.

Experts describe inflation as a form of “invisible tax,” as it erodes purchasing power even when incomes remain unchanged. Sustained high food inflation can lead to increased poverty and heightened risks of malnutrition.

Bangladesh has experienced relatively high food inflation for more than three consecutive years—an unusually prolonged period compared to past trends. This has led to persistent hardship for lower-income groups.

Under the World Bank’s classification system, countries with high food inflation are categorized using color codes. The “purple” category represents the most severe cases, while “red” indicates high risk. Bangladesh is currently in the red category, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

Globally, some countries are facing even more severe conditions. Malawi has remained in the purple category for nine consecutive months, while Iran and Zambia have been in the high-risk category for eight months. Turkey and Argentina have also remained in this category for seven months.

On the other hand, some countries have improved their situations, moving from red or purple into lower-risk categories such as yellow or green.

Overall, the continued rise in food inflation is not just an economic indicator—it is having a direct and growing impact on everyday life. With incomes failing to keep pace with rising costs, many people in Bangladesh are facing increasing financial strain. Experts emphasize that effective policy measures are urgently needed to address the situation.