DHAKA, May 8 (V7N) - Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur announced on Thursday that the country's inflation rate has significantly decreased from 14.5 percent to 8.5 percent over the past nine months.  

He made this statement while speaking as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the Banker SME Women Entrepreneurs' Gathering, Product Exhibition and Fair, held at the Bangla Academy premises in the capital.

The Governor expressed optimism that inflation could further decline by 4 to 5 percentage points if the government maintains consistent efforts and stable policies. The event was organized by the SME and Special Programmes Department of Bangladesh Bank.  

According to the latest estimates from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), overall inflation stood at 9.17 percent in April, down from 9.35 percent in March. Both food and non-food inflation saw a decrease last month. However, the average annual inflation remains above 10 percent.  

Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Nurun Nahar, Executive Director Md Khasru Parvez, City Bank MD and CEO Masrur Arefin, and Naushad Mostafa, Director of the SME and Special Programs Department, also addressed the gathering.

"If we keep printing money and expect inflation to drop, that won't work. We need to adopt a strict stance. Inflation will take time to ease, but it is on the right track and will continue to decline gradually," Governor Mansur stated.  

He further elaborated on the current figures, saying, "Food inflation was at 14.5 percent, which has now come down to 8.5 percent. Non-food inflation, which was over 12.5 percent, is now slightly above 9 percent."

"I am hopeful that it will fall further. If we maintain policy stability and put in the effort, reducing inflation to 4 to 5 percent is achievable—and that would be a satisfactory outcome for all," he added.

Addressing the issue of gender disparities in financial access, Dr. Mansur pointed out that women are still not receiving their due share of banking services. "Women are getting only 6 percent of total disbursed loans in the banking sector. This is far from realistic. There are many obstacles for women in accessing loans. We must find ways to overcome these and move women forward. Financial awareness among women also needs to improve," he said.  

The Governor emphasized, "We are committed to supporting women entrepreneurs, but not merely by expanding central bank funds, as that would require creating new money. Instead, commercial banks must lend from their own resources, recognising women's rights in financial inclusion."  

The ongoing four-day fair, organized by Bangladesh Bank to promote the participation of women entrepreneurs, will continue until May 11. A total of 68 women entrepreneurs from various districts are showcasing their products at the event. On the final day, six women entrepreneurs will be recognized and honored for their achievements.

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