Ensuring fair prices and wages emerges as major challenge for elected government: Experts

Economic insecurity in Bangladesh has surged as citizens struggle with uncertain wages and rising prices, according to a recent public opinion survey by Democracy International.

The November 2025 survey shows that 40.4% of respondents feel worse off than a year ago. Among the main reasons cited, 27.4% reported fewer income-generating opportunities, while 17% highlighted the rising cost of essential goods. The findings underscore that fair pricing and wages are now directly tied to the everyday well-being of citizens.

These concerns were highlighted during a dialogue titled "How to Ensure Fair Prices and Wages", jointly organised by Democracy International and Jamuna Television. The discussion pointed to a growing disconnect: consumers are anxious to access goods at reasonable prices, while farmers and labourers are not receiving fair compensation for their work and produce, creating a convergence of crises in the market, wages, and livelihoods.

Democracy International's Chief of Party, Catherine Cecil, said, "Citizens' concerns are no longer isolated. Price hikes, income shortages, and wage issues are collectively putting people under pressure." She added that the survey indicates 33% of voters remain undecided, rising to 43% among women, sending a clear message to political parties that citizens now demand realistic and credible plans rather than mere promises.

Sadika Haque, professor of agricultural economics at Bangladesh Agricultural University, stressed the role of owners and middlemen in the supply chain. "Excluding them would collapse the economy. Instead, they should be effectively regulated to prevent unreasonable price hikes and ensure protection for both farmers and consumers," she said.

Sanjida Sultana, executive director of the Working Women's Forum, pointed out that labour issues, particularly wage disparities for women, are still underrepresented in parliamentary and political discussions. She emphasised that addressing these disparities is essential for economic growth.

Monisha Chakraborty, central committee member of the Bangladesh Socialist Party (Basad), criticised the emphasis on business profits over labour rights in setting minimum wages. She urged reallocating funds from infrastructure-heavy budgets toward worker welfare and establishing a dedicated labour commission.

Samantha Sharmin, senior joint convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), called for a rethinking of the definition of labour and workforce, arguing that fair wages can only be achieved through proper recognition and valuation of work. She urged policymakers to move beyond promises and implement effective measures, integrating new professional sectors into formal structures.

Advocate Atikur Rahman, general secretary of the Bangladesh Labour Welfare Federation and representative of Jamaat-e-Islami, said restoring market discipline is crucial for ensuring fair prices. "Those exploiting the gap between farmers and consumers must be strictly penalised. Our party will support proper law enforcement and workers' rights," he added.

Israfill Khosru of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's international affairs committee emphasised the importance of joint dialogue between owners and labourers. He called for regular stakeholder consultations, institutionalising creative economy sectors, and integrating the agricultural workforce into formal structures.

Concluding the dialogue, speakers agreed that ensuring fair prices and wages requires moving beyond political promises to structural reforms, consistent dialogue, and accountable implementation. Citizens now expect visible decisions and tangible change, not mere assurances.