Dollar shortage, rising inflation among 7 crises affecting Bangladesh: CPD

Bangladesh is facing at least seven crises at present, the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) said today.

These are dollar shortage, energy price hike, rising inflation, spiralling food prices, Ukraine war, Covid-19 pandemic and climate change.

"Overall these seven have become a challenge for us," CPD Executive Director Fahmida Khatun said in a media briefing at its office in Dhaka.

The think-tank organised the briefing on slowdown in global economy and challenges for Bangladesh.

Fahmida Khatun, executive director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), attends a media briefing on slowdown in global economy and challenges for Bangladesh, organised by the local think-tank at its office in Dhaka today. Photo: Ahsan Habib

The CPD also said at least 29 imported essential food items currently face high tax and duty at imports.

Bangladesh's balance of payment has slided into uncomfortable position as imports continue to remain higher than total earnings from exports and remittances, it said.

The country's trade deficit also increased to $4.6 billion in the first two months of the current fiscal year, up from $4.3 billion a year ago, the CPD said.