Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed. File Photo

DHAKA, Feb 4, 2025 (BSS) - Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed today
expressed optimism that the general point-to-point inflation rate will come
down to between 6 to 7 percent by June.
 
"It will take another two to three months for inflation to decrease as
government measures take effect. If we can bring price hikes down to 6-7
percent by June, we will consider it satisfactory," he said.

The adviser said this after a meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on
Government Purchase (ACCGP) at the Secretariat in the city.

Salehuddin said further steps would be taken to stabilise the prices of
essential commodities during the holy month of Ramadan.
 
Acknowledging that high inflation is causing difficulties, he said several
initiatives have already been implemented to address the issue.

The adviser also stated that inflation cannot be reduced overnight and
requires coordinated efforts.

"We have held discussions with Bangladesh Bank (BB) and commercial banks.
They have assured us that the required US dollars will be made available to
facilitate fuel imports, fertilisers, rice, and edible oil," he said.

The commerce ministry is also engaging with business leaders to stabilise
prices, he added.

The general point-to-point inflation rate in Bangladesh slightly eased in
December last as it reached 10.89 percent down from 11.38 percent in November, 2024.