MD ASADUZ ZAMAN

Inflation edged up in July on declining in the preceding three months, driven primarily by rising food prices, according to government data, renewing concerns over mounting pressure on consumers amid persistent supply side challenges.

In July, overall inflation stood at 8.55 percent, up from 8.48 percent in the previous month, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).

Food inflation climbed to 7.56 percent in July, up from 7.39 percent a month earlier.

Food inflation has increased on falling for seven months since November last year, when it stood at 13.8 percent.

In July 2024, food inflation hit a record 14.10 percent, the first time in 13 years.

However, non-food inflation remained almost unchanged, inching up to 9.38 percent in July from 9.37 percent in June this year.

It has stood above 9 percent for the past two years.

Economists and analysts warn that relying only on the monetary policy would not bring down inflation, as other loopholes need to be addressed timely.

“Without addressing the underlying supply side issues, inflation won’t come down sustainably only through the monetary policy,” said Selim Raihan, a professor of economics at the University of Dhaka.

This happens as the seasonal relief, enabled by the ample market “You