Within months of the end of Sheikh Hasina's 15-year autocratic regime, inflation in Bangladesh fell into single digits, providing some relief to the populace.

According to data released today by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September stood at 9.92%, down from 10.49% the previous month.

In July, as the tenure of the Awami League government was coming to a close, the overall inflation rate hit a record high of 11.66%, but this represented a decrease of 1.17 percentage points—the largest drop in inflation since 2013.

Earlier, in November 2020, the overall inflation rate saw a notable decline of 0.92 percent. In October of that year, it was recorded at 6.44%, which dropped to 5.52% the following month.

The overall CPI, which reflects changes in the prices consumers pay for a range of goods and services, however has remained above 9% since March.

This persistence continues despite the central bank's multiple increases in policy rates and its decision to allow the market to set interest rates.

Last week, Bangladesh Bank raised the policy or repo rate—at which commercial banks borrow from the central bank—by 50 basis points to 9.50% in an effort to control inflation.

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