Published: 12:50 AM, 26 September 2026
Uncontrolled Inflation Perplexes People With Lower Earnings
Rising prices have become a major source of anxiety for people with lower incomes in Bangladesh. As the costs of food, transportation, housing, medicine, and other necessities continue to put pressure on household budgets, many families are being forced to reduce their spending and reconsider their daily needs.
For low-income workers, the problem is particularly severe because their earnings often do not increase at the same pace as living costs. Day laborers, garment workers, rickshaw pullers, small shop employees, domestic workers, and other people who depend on modest monthly or daily incomes have limited room to absorb higher prices.
Food is at the center of the crisis. Rice, vegetables, fish, meat, eggs, cooking oil, and other essential items account for a large share of the budgets of poorer households. When food prices rise, families cannot simply stop buying these products. Instead, they may reduce quantities, switch to cheaper alternatives, or sacrifice other necessities.
Transportation costs have added another burden. Higher fuel prices and operating expenses can increase bus fares, delivery charges, and the cost of moving agricultural products from rural areas to urban markets. These additional expenses eventually affect the prices consumers pay.
Inflation also creates difficulties for families that need medical treatment. Rising prices of medicines, diagnostic services, and transportation can encourage financially struggling households to postpone medical consultations or reduce spending on treatment. Such decisions can create more serious problems later.
The pressure is also visible among students. Families facing higher living expenses may struggle to pay for tuition, books, transportation, food, and other educational needs. Some students may take part-time jobs or reduce educational expenses to support their families.
Small businesses are not immune to inflation either. Shopkeepers and small entrepreneurs face higher costs for rent, electricity, transportation, raw materials, and wages. If they increase prices, customers may buy less; if they keep prices unchanged, their profits may disappear.
Inflation can therefore create a cycle in which both consumers and businesses suffer. Consumers lose purchasing power, while businesses face weaker demand and higher operating costs.
The government and relevant authorities have an important role in controlling price pressures. Effective market monitoring, adequate food supplies, action against illegal hoarding and price manipulation, and targeted assistance for vulnerable families can help reduce the burden.
At the same time, long-term solutions require greater productivity, stable supply chains, improved agricultural production, employment opportunities, and sound economic management.
