We are all aware of the current situation in Bangladesh, how the food prices are increasing. A significant segment of our population, grappling with poverty, are in a miserable situation, living from hand to mouth.
Their lives are becoming increasingly challenging. In the present circumstances, securing enough food for their entire families, let alone accessing nutritious meals, has become an almost impossible task.
But now, let’s shift our focus to the middle class. How are they coping with the ongoing situation?
According to the Bangldesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), 25% of the total population are middle class, whose income is between Tk 40000 to Tk 80000 per month.
According to the Centre for Policy Dialogue, four members of a family have to spend on food, without taking into consideration adding proteins, over Tk 9,000 per month. If they want to add animal protein, then they have to count Tk 22,421.
Now think of the current situation of Bangladesh, where we have to pay Tk 80 for one kilogram(kg) of rice, Tk 12 per egg, Tk 45 per kg of potato, Tk 65 per kg of onion. The vegetable prices are also far more than what they were. Broiler chicken is almost Tk 200 per kg.
The soaring prices have made it increasingly challenging for people to afford even simple food items like pangas fish. Meat and the national fish, ilish, is now priced at a point where it is rightfully considered to be a luxury item. Common people can't even think about this -- only the elite. Each and every product price has almost doubled -- some even more than that.
So, now a family has to spend at least Tk 24,000 for food, which is 60% of the total income of a middle-class family. If a middle-class family has to spend 60% of his income to put food on the table, how does the family fulfill other basic needs?
For instance, a middle-class father now faces the difficult dilemma of choosing between purchasing treats like chocolates for his children or procuring essential household items. He must decide whether to invest in clothing or prioritize the purchase of necessary medicines.
Furthermore, the family must grapple with how to manage the monthly tuition fees for their children's education while grappling with this significant financial constraint. Consequently, members of such households often find themselves seeking additional sources of income after their regular work to bridge the gap and ensure their basic needs are met.
Of course, the situation is even more difficult for lower-class families. Imagine if middle-class families are struggling, it's naturally much worse for them. They can hardly afford to buy food, let alone other essentials.
They are basically only focused on getting enough food to survive. The increasing prices are a major problem, and it's important to highlight that some businesses are raising prices without viable reasons, making life incredibly hard for these families.
Md Golam Shamdani is a freelance contributor.