By M. Rahman, PhD, Advisor, Dhaka Straits Times

The increasing cost of living in Bangladesh has become a pressing concern for ordinary families, particularly those in lower and middle-income groups. Rising prices of essential goods, transportation, and house rent are reshaping daily routines and spending habits. Many households now find themselves making difficult choices just to manage monthly expenses.

In Dhaka and other major cities, staple foods such as rice, lentils, cooking oil, and eggs have seen noticeable price hikes over the past few months. What was once considered a standard family meal has now become a calculated decision.

“We used to buy fish three or four times a week. Now it’s once, maybe twice. The market prices are simply too high,” said Nasima Akter, a homemaker from Mirpur. “We adjust our meals every day to keep within our budget.”

This shift in diet is common across urban and rural households. Market vendors say the rise is connected to transportation costs, import challenges, and supply chain disruptions. Business owners are also under pressure, as increased expenses on fuel and electricity make production and distribution costlier.

House rent remains another significant burden for city dwellers. Residential landlords in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet have raised rents to balance their own living and maintenance costs. As a result, families are relocating to smaller houses, moving to outskirts, or sharing homes with relatives.

“The hardest-hit group is the middle class,” explained economist Dr. Shamsul Karim. “They do not qualify for government subsidies, but their incomes are not rising in line with inflation. They are quietly absorbing the pressure.”

The transportation sector reflects similar trends. For office workers and daily wage earners, even short commutes are consuming a growing share of monthly income. Students report cutting back on coaching classes or extracurricular activities to reduce travel costs.

According to economic analysts, several factors influence the current inflationary trend:

• Dependency on imports for essential commodities

• Currency devaluation

• Higher global fuel prices

• Fluctuations in the international market

These pressures combine to reduce purchasing power and elevate stress levels among citizens. Middle-income families describe the situation as a “silent struggle.”

Yet, examples of community resilience continue to emerge. Local charity groups, mosque-based food donation programs, and neighborhood shared meals provide support to those facing severe hardship. Many individuals are also exploring side income opportunities through online platforms, small businesses, and freelance work.

Experts suggest that easing the cost-of-living crisis will require targeted policy steps. Strengthening local food production, stabilizing the currency, improving supply chain efficiency, and enforcing fair pricing in markets can help restore balance. Expanding job opportunities and skills development may also provide sustainable relief.

The rising cost of living is more than an economic indicator; it is shaping how families eat, travel, plan, and hope. Addressing it will require cooperation between policymakers, market regulators, business communities, and citizens.