Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed expressed optimism that the general point-to-point inflation rate will come down to between 6 to 7 percent by June. The 12-month annual average inflation rose to 10.34 percent last December.
"It will take another two to three months for inflation to decrease as government measures take effect. If we can bring price hikes down to 6-7percent by June, we will consider it satisfactory," he said.
The adviser said this after a meeting of Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase (ACCGP) at the Secretariat in the city on Tuesdayr.
Salehuddin further said steps would be taken to stabilise the prices of essential commodities during the holy month of Ramadan.
Acknowledging that high inflation is causing difficulties to people, he said several initiatives have already been implemented to address the issue. The adviser however said inflation cannot be reduced overnight and requires coordinated efforts.
"We have held discussions with Bangladesh Bank (BB) and commercial banks. They have assured us that required US dollars will be made available to facilitate import of fuel, fertilisers, rice, and edible oil," he said.
The commerce ministry is also engaging with business leaders to stabilize prices, he added.