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Prices of some consumer goods up

Cost of living almost static

Run-up to the budget

Star Economic Report
Despite Increase In the-prices of some consumer products during the current financial year, the cost of living did not register a significant rise, according to figures from Bangladesh Bank and the independent monitoring agency. Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB).
But the value of Taka against Pound Sterling and US Dollar has deflated further during the year.
According to the CAB. the prices of rice, ata. pulses, edible oil, vegetables and powdered milk have gone up by 9.2 per cent. 12.26 per cent. 11.63 per cent. 13 per cent, 25.7 per cent and 13 per cent respectively during the month of May In comparison with the prices during the same month of the previous year.
The prices of tea, sugar, onion, garlic and ginger have decreased by 13 per cent, 2.5 per cent. 23 per cent. 22 per cent and 4.5 per cent respectively during the same period.
During 1990-91, the average exchange value of one Pound Sterling was Taka 57.95 and that of US Dollar was Taka 35.74. The rates have gone up to Taka 66.47 and Taka 37.88
respectively during the current year, according to Bangladesh Bank.
The cost of living increased by 8.94 per cent in 1990-91 and during the current year the rise stood at 8.03 per cent.
Though the month-wise cost of living index for middle
class families has not been calculated. the partial figures do not show a significant rise. Independent observations also show that in most areas, like rickshaw fares, housing, clothings etc. the cost did not go up.
During the financial year of 1990-91, the general cost of living Index- for middle class families of Dhaka. Chittagong, Khulna and Rajshahi stood at
689. 717, 649, and 622 respectively taking 1973-74 as the base year. These figures stood at 715, 743, 679 and 644 respectively during the current year showing an increase of 3.7 per cent, 3.6 per cent. 4.6 per cent and 3.5 per cent.
Of food, fuel, electricity, housing and clothing, the consumers had to pay more for fuel and electricity compared to other item?.
During the current year, economists observe a rise In the salary and wages of government and non-government employees and workers which has contributed to the rise tn the cost of some products and utilities.
The wage level of the government staff has increased by 27 to 52 per cent during the period from 1982-83 to 1991-92. As the largest employer in the country, the Public Sector acts as a leader in setting wages. Private firms are eventually forced to adjust the wage structure.
The wholesale price Indices of agricultural and industrial products show a rise during the current year.