7.8 lakh people have been impoverished in the country due to massive inflation. At the same time, 98 lakh 30 thousand people are at risk of extreme poverty. This information came out in a workshop of research institute Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID) at Sirdap Auditorium in the capital on Sunday. The workshop was conducted for journalists.
Dr. Rapid Chairman. MA Razzak presented the relevant research in the workshop. Shafiqul Alam, press secretary of the interim government, was virtually present as the chief guest at the event. The executive director of Rapid was present at this time. M. Abu Yusuf, research director. Officials associated with the research, including Mohammad Deen Islam.
According to the study, people's real income has decreased in the last two years due to inflationary pressure. That is, with fixed income, they are able to buy less goods or services than before. Due to this, 78 lakh 60 thousand people have come below the poverty line again. About one crore people are at risk of extreme poverty. Apart from this, 3.8 lakh people have come down from poor to destitute category. In other words, more than 2 crore people are under the pressure of price inflation.
Dr. Rapid Chairman. MA Razzak said, the rate at which poverty has increased, real wages have not increased at that rate. As a result, poverty and its risks have increased. Inflation has increased due to Awami League government policies, corruption and irregularities. Inflation is rampant due to excess money supply.
During the question and answer session, Rapid Chairman said that the Awami League government had proposed an unrealistic budget. It must be corrected. The interim government could reduce the size of the current budget and increase spending on poor people.
Dr. MA Razzak said, even if the Awami League government's inflated economic data is corrected, it is possible for Bangladesh to be promoted from the list of least developed countries (LDC) to the ranks of developing countries in 2026. Because Bangladesh has fulfilled the three conditions of the United Nations for this. However, an application can be made to the United Nations for an extension of time citing reasonable grounds.
The chief guest of the program, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam joined virtually and said, 'During the Awami League government, the real data on inflation was shown less. Accurate information is being released in all sectors during the interim government. Now if we show the real data, the inflation is 13 percent. The criticism is that we are not able to reduce inflation.'
Shafiqul Alam said that the government has not yet taken any decision regarding the upcoming transition from LDC. Analyzing what will be most advantageous, the government will go for it. A decision has not yet been made as to whether a request to postpone the transition will be made.
Dr. about research. M Abu Yusuf said, this government should bring inflation under control. Otherwise the number of poor people will increase day by day. Pointing out that it is possible to reduce inflation quickly, he said that the Sri Lankan government has reduced inflation by 70 percent. Structural reforms and fiscal discipline will reduce inflation.
