- Title: Bangladeshis eye stable Ramadan market under newly sworn‑in government
- Date: 18th February 2026
- Summary: DHAKA, BANGLADESH (FEBRUARY 18, 2026) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF GULISTAN MARKETPLACE WITH MINARET PEOPLE WALKING IN GULISTAN AREA VARIOUS OF FRUIT SELLER MOHAMMAD SHAHID WORKING GRAPES HANGING IN SHOP, FRUIT ON DISPLAY (SOUNDBITE) (Bengali) FRUIT SELLER, MOHAMMAD SHAHID, 52, SAYING: "The difference (between last year's prices and this year's) is huge. Now, we are hoping the new
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- Keywords: BANGLADESH BANGLADESH ECONOMY BANGLADESH NATIONALIST PARTY (BNP) INFLATION NEW GOVERNMENT RAMADAN RAMADAN MARKET IN BANGLADESH
- Location: DHAKA, BANGLADESH
- City: DHAKA, BANGLADESH
- Country: Bangladesh
- Topics: Asia / Pacific,Commodities Markets,Economic Events
- Reuters ID: LVA001652518022026RP1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Bangladesh grocers and shoppers hoped the new government would help curb the surging food inflation and its prices as people of the Muslim‑majority country prepared to begin the holy month of Ramadan on Wednesday (February 18).
In Dhaka’s crowded Gulistan marketplace, shoppers threaded through narrow alleys as Ramadan approached, many saying that the rising cost of daily essentials was dampening preparations.
Fruit stalls remained busy, but vendors reported sharp increases in the prices of apples, oranges and grapes compared with last year, making it harder for families to manage expenses.
Traders said the recent spike in prices had been especially steep in the past few weeks.
Some attributed the surge to disruptions around the election, with reduced traffic and holiday closures slowing the movement of goods. Grocers also flagged a shortage of cooking oil, adding further strain on household budgets.
Across the capital, consumers said the higher prices were becoming increasingly difficult to bear. Many feared the rising costs could make Ramadan more challenging for ordinary families unless the authorities step in.
Residents urged the newly sworn‑in government of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who came to power after last week’s national ballot in the country, to intensify market monitoring and prevent further instability.
In Dhaka’s popular Town Hall market, some shoppers accused powerful trading groups of keeping prices artificially high, noting that retailers rarely reduce rates even when supplies improve. Many hope the new administration will prioritise curbing such practices and offer some relief ahead of the fasting month.
(Production: Sam Jahan) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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