Bangladesh Bank (BB) is set to release its Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) for the second half of fiscal year 2024-25 on January 27, with a focus on combating inflation through a continued contractionary stance.

The policy will be the first under Governor Dr. Ahsan H Mansur, who assumed office following the political transition on August 5, 2024.

The central bank has been engaging with stakeholders, economists, and research organizations, including the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies and Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh, to gather insights for shaping the MPS. The policy will address currency and lending rate regulations, aiming to stabilize inflation, which has remained above 9% since March 2023.

Despite recent hikes in the policy rate to 10%, inflation eased slightly in December 2024, falling to 10.89% from 11.38% in November. The MPS will be finalized on January 20, approved by BB’s board on January 22, and implemented shortly after its announcement. The central bank’s ongoing efforts reflect its commitment to curbing inflation and ensuring economic stability.