Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday warned that prices of essential commodities in Bangladesh are likely to increase in the coming days.
Speaking after a National Multi-Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on LDC graduation preparedness at the Planning Ministry in the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, the minister cited ongoing supply chain disruptions as the main cause.
“Due to the supply chain crisis, not only fuel but other essential commodities will become more expensive. This is a global challenge, not one limited to Bangladesh,” Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said.
He added that the ongoing energy crisis is already putting pressure on the national economy and is expected to push up food prices.
The finance minister also highlighted the growing fiscal burden on the government, noting that while many countries have raised fuel prices significantly, Bangladesh has so far kept them unchanged.
“We are buying fuel from the state treasury, which ultimately adds cost for the public. How long we can maintain current prices is uncertain,” he said, stressing that any decision on fuel pricing will prioritise public welfare.
On the question of LDC graduation, he ruled out any immediate move in that direction, stating that the BNP government has been working in line with its electoral manifesto to strengthen the economy.
Bangladesh will consider LDC graduation only after achieving adequate economic preparedness, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury added.
