How inflation affects middle-income families in Ramadan

Ramadan, being a very special and sacred month to all the Muslims in the world, its festive tone does not also leave Bangladesh out of the box. But the ongoing intensity of inflation might be a factor diminishing the festivities a bit. Inflation, which once felt like a distant economic concept discussed in news reports, has become a real, palpable force for our country. A struggling artist from Dhaka, who wishes to remain anonymous, spoke of the adversity few days back in some frustrated words: "The month of Ramadan has not yet started and we have to buy a lemon for Tk 20! What are going to do after the month starts? How will we survive this year?"

The middle-income families in Bangladesh have long balanced aspirations with everyday challenges, but every year during Ramadan-a month of togetherness, community building, and shared meals--eventually the pressure on household budgets intensifies. Recently, however, the sting of inflation has hit harder than ever before, reshaping traditions and forcing families to make difficult choices that make them feel helpless in different perspectives.

For many middle-income families, the holy month of Ramadan is a time of celebration and generosity. But as prices of essential goods-rice, oils, meat, vegetables, and even modest sweets-soared unexpectedly, that cherished spirit began to be overshadowed by anxiety and financial strain.

During the month of fasting and religious festivals, local markets, once buzzing with the warmth of community and the excitement of preparing for iftar, transformed into arenas of heightened competition. Daily shoppers found themselves confronting long queues, scarce stocks, and rapidly changing price tags. "Every year, I used to plan a festive iftar menu that allowed my family to celebrate together without worry," recalls Rahima Begum, a schoolteacher in Dhaka. "But this Ramadan, even basic ingredients' cost almost doubleed, what we had anticipated. It isn't just about a meal-- it's about the dignity of being able to provide for our loved ones."

For the middle-income segment of society, which traditionally relies on a delicate balance of income and savings to maintain a comfortable lifestyle, this surge in prices is especially devastating. Many families have built their budgets on the assumption that every year's Ramadan brings only a modest rise in expenditure. The current inflation, however, has upended that routine. When prices skyrocket, even modest celebrations become a gamble between tradition and necessity. Family members who once looked forward to the aroma of freshly cooked biryani and the communal joy of breaking fast now measure success in the modest portions they can muster.

The causes behind the inflation are complex. Global commodity-price hikes, disruptions to supply chains, and local market imbalances have all contributed to a perfect storm. Experts point out that while global trends play a role, local factors-such as an increase in transportation costs and reduced government subsidies-exacerbate the situation. The global surge in fuel and food prices is reflected here, but local policy inefficiencies and logistical issues further strain our markets. Ramadan, with its unique surge in demand, becomes the litmus test for how these pressures affect everyday life.

For many middle-income families, the immediate effect of these rising prices is painfully clear. Grocery bills have doubled, and even essential items that once fit comfortably within monthly budgets now require difficult trade-offs. "We had to cancel plans to invite distant relatives for iftar because we couldn't afford to buy enough food," says Md. Kamal, a small business owner in Sylhet. "My children have grown up with the expectation that Ramadan gatherings are special, but now, each celebration feels like a reminder of what we have lost due to the high cost of living."

The ripple effects of inflation during Ramadan extend beyond the dining table. The extra expenditure required for food and other essentials means that families are forced to cut back on non-essential spending, affecting education, healthcare, and even small leisure activities that provide relief during an otherwise stressful period. Many have turned to alternative ways of saving, such as borrowing from relatives or reducing expenditure on daily utilities, which creates long-term financial instability. Even though the government has tried to introduce measures to control prices during the holy month, these steps have often fallen short of alleviating the burden felt by the middle class.

Socially, the impact of inflation has begun to shift the traditional image of Ramadan. "There is an emotional cost, too," explains Shahana, a homemaker from Dhaka. "Ramadan has always been about sharing and caring. Now, when we are forced to reduce our gatherings, it feels like we are losing a part of our identity."

The psychological impact cannot be understated. For many, Ramadan is a time of spiritual renewal, but when every day is shadowed by financial worries, the mental burden can be overwhelming. Anxiety about the future mixes with the disappointment of not being able to uphold long-held traditions. The festive spirit gives way to a quiet resignation as families budget every rupee hoping that the next month might bring some relief.

While the path forward remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the spirit of Ramadan endures even in the face of adversity. The challenges posed by inflation have forced families to innovate, to find new ways to celebrate and to support one another. For many, this holy month has transformed from a period of routine celebration into a testament of resilience-a time when every iftar is not just a meal, but a small victory against the odds.

As Bangladesh navigates these turbulent economic waters, the story of its middle-income families during Ramadan is a powerful reminder of the human cost behind macroeconomic figures. It is a call for policymakers to design solutions that ease the burden on everyday citizens and a testament to the strength of communities that, even in the toughest times, come together to celebrate life and hope.

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