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Introduction
Bangladesh has a market based economy. Bangladesh grows very significant quantities of rice,
tea, potato, mango, onion and mustard. More than three-quarters of Bangladeshs export earnings
come from the garment industry and Bangladesh also exports textiles, jute, ceramics, tea and
seafood etc. Bangladesh also earns large part of foreign currency reserve from remittances sent
by its migrant workers. Currently, more than 8.2 million are working in 145 countries who are
mostly working in the middle-east.
Currently Bangladeshs GDP composition by sector is:
-

Service (53.9%)
Industry (28.5%)
Agriculture (17.5%)

Even though agricultural sector only 18% it provides employment to over half the working
population. According to 2012 estimates the nominal GDP of Bangladesh is valued at $122.7
billion and real GDP is $306 billion. And the per capita income is $923.95 in nominal terms.
There are many macroeconomic indicators factors that can be analyzed to analyze the state of the
economy but for the purpose of this study only four indicators have been selected and they are:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Remittance
Inflation
Exchange Rate
GDP Growth

Remittance

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For Bangladesh remittance is money sent by Bangladeshi workers working abroad. The
large majority of them are unskilled labourers and they earn wages in currencies in those
respective foreign countries. As such the remittances received by them form a large part
of our foreign exchange earnings and which have predominantly played an important role
in Bangladeshs accumulating close to $14 billion worth of international reserves by the
end of the reference period in Q3FY13. Most of the workers from Bangladesh are
working in middle-eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait etc. Currently,
around six lakh people now leave home every year for overseas jobs and in total more
than 8.2 million are working in 145 countries. Globally Bangladesh ranks as the 7 th

largest remittance earner.

Remittance receipts in July-November 2012 increased by 24.25 percent to USD6114.47
million compared to the growth of 9.20 percent during the same period of 2011. In
November 2012, remittances was USD1.10 billion, recorded an increase of 21.28 percent

over November 2011.

The inward remittances received from Bangladeshi nationals working abroad remained
strong in July-January 2012-13 and continued to play an important role in strengthening
the forign exchange reserves and current account, according to Bangladesh Bank. The
remittance rose by 19.74 percent or US$ 1439.06 million to US$ 8728.77 million in
July-January 2012-13 from US$ 7289.71 million in July-January 2011-12. Meanwhile,
remittances increased by 8.64 percent or US$ 105.58 million in January 2013 to US$
1326.99 million from US$ 1221.41 million in January 2012 and 3.08 percent or US$
39.68 million from US$1287.31 million in December 2012. In January 2013, US$
371.04 million remittance were received from Saudi Arabia, US$ 250.76 million from
the United Arab Emirates, US$ 171.10 million from U.S.A., US$ 103.40 million from
Kuwait, US$ 92.67 million from Malaysia, US$ 90.42 million from U.K., US$ 53.97
million from Oman, US$ 47.93 million from Singapore and US$ 145.70 from other

countries.
In FY 2012-13 (During July to October), the rate of growth on remittance was 24.75
percent which was 11.99 percent in FY 2011-12.

Remittance in October-December 2013 & 2012

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Month

In billion US
dollars

In billion taka

2013

2012

18.542

17.499

1437.005 1420.92

Novembe
r

2.062

1.918

159.805

155.742

December

22.5

21.391

1743.75

1736.95

October

2013

2012

Inflation
In Bangladesh inflation is defined in terms of cost of living. Bangladesh Bank attempts to stop
severe inflation, along with severe deflation, in an attempt to keep the excessive growth of prices
to a minimum. As inflation rises, every Taka will buy a smaller percentage of a good. All three
factors that can create inflation, namely, demand-side factors (demand-pull inflation), supplyside factors (cost-push inflation) and inflationary expectation have been responsible for the
recent spate of inflation in Bangladesh.
Inflation rate in Bangladesh in the year 2013 (October-December) under
base year 2005-2006

2013 inflation rate(base year 2005-06)

7.4
7.3
7.2
7.1
7
6.9
6.8
October

November

December

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October 2013:
October 2013: Average inflation rose by 0.17 percentage points to 7.30 percent in October from
the previous month on the back of rising food prices. The general point-to-point inflation rate
soars further in November with both the food and non-food items showing a rising trend as it
notched 7.15 percent up from 7.03 percent in October this year.
November 2013: The country's point-to-point inflation rate soars further in November with both
the food and non-food items showing a rising trend as it notched 7.15 percent up from 7.03
percent in October this year. The average point-to-point inflation rate in November stood at 7.15
percent which was 7.03 percent in October; The BBS figures showed that as per the 2005-06
base years, the food inflation in November this year rose to 8.55 percent, up from 8.38 percent in
October. On the other hand, the non-food inflation rate also increased to 5.08 percent in this
November rising from 5.02 percent in October.
December 2013: As per the 2005-06 base years, the general point-to-point inflation rate in
December was 7.35 percent. The BBS figures showed the food inflation rate in this December
slightly increased to 9.00 percent from 8.55 percent
In short,
October 2013: inflation rate: 7.03%, food inflation: 8.38%, non-food inflation: 5.02%
November 2013: inflation rate: 7.15%, food inflation: 8.55%, non-food inflation: 5.08%
December 2013: inflation rate: 7.35%, food inflation: 9.00%, non-food inflation: 5.53%
Inflation rate in Bangladesh in 2012 under the base year 1995-96:

October 2012: The point to point inflation was 7.22 percent in October. The food inflation was
5.57 percent while the non-food inflation was 10.46 percent.
November 2012: The point to point inflation was 7.41 percent in November. The food inflation
was 6.45 percent while the non-food inflation was 9.31 percent.
December 2012: The point to point inflation was 7.14 percent in December. The food inflation
was 7.33 percent while the non-food inflation was 9.3% percent.

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Comparative analysis of inflation rate between the reference period of
2012 and 2013:

MONTH
October
November
December

2013
7.03%
7.15%
7.35%

2012
7.22%
7.41%
7.14%

CHANGE
-0.19%
-0.26%
0.21%

In 2012, Eid spending push the inflation (p to p) up in November 2012, first time in
Nine months. Inflation was little high compared to 2013. While overall inflation
remained high, the rapid rise in non-food inflation posed a major policy challenge.
Inflationary pressures intensified due to the lagged effects of rapid growth in money and
credit. The sharp taka depreciation resulting from continued high import demand has
contributed to price pressures.

In contrast, 2013 inflation rate was little bit better and moderate than the reference year 2012.
The main reasons are:

Inflation declined in the recent period because of the decline in food and non-food prices.
Changing consumption pattern and demographics.

Exchange rate
Exchange rate for the reference period of 2013

The weighted average nominal (takadollar) exchange rate nonetheless appreciated from Tk81.8
to a dollar at the October 2013 to Tk77.85 to a dollar at the end of December 2013 because of the
excess supply of foreign exchanges in the market. The taka had depreciated mostly in the late
2011 and early 2012, due to higher import demand especially for fuel imports to run fuel-based
power projects, and lower remittance growth.
Exchange rate for the reference period of 2012

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At the end of November 2012, Taka has depreciated by 0.22 percent from its level at the end of
October 2012. However, according to latest available data taka is appreciated by 1.92 percent as
on 27 December from its level of end November 2012 resulted from moderate growth in
remittances, foreign aid, and low import pressures. Indian Rupee also appreciated by 1.35
percent as on 27 December from its level of November 2012.
So, if I compare the exchange rate of October November 2013 with the exchange rate of October
-November 2012, the bottom line will be:
Month

October
Novembe
r

Month
Month
Avg.
end
2013-14(taka per
USD)
77.85
77.82
77.83

77.69

Month
Month
Avg.
end
2012-13(Taka per
USD)
81.3123
81.2005
81.454

81.3811

GDP growth rate

The gross domestic product (GDP) is one the primary indicators used to gauge the health of a
country's economy. The monetary value of all the finished goods and services produced within a
country's borders in a specific time period, though GDP is usually calculated on an annual basis.
It includes all of private and public consumption, government outlays, investments and exports
less imports that occur within a boundary.
GDP growth rate for 2012

GDP growth in 2012 was lower than the previous year. GDP growth in FY2012 decelerated to
6.1% with lower export growth, compounded by weaker domestic demand. The external
environment for the Bangladesh economy continued to be challenging, with the euro zone
experiencing a prolonged period of debt adjustments and recovery of the United States (US)
economy remained weak. Growth of industry was lower, because of weakening domestic and
external demand conditions.
Estimated growth rate of GDP for 2013

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In contrast, The Asian Development Bank (ADB) in its outlook has forecast Bangladesh's gross
domestic product (GDP) growth in 2013 'softer' than in the 2012 as it faces political transition.
As of December 31, 2013, ADB assistance to Bangladesh amounted at over $900 million a year having 58 ongoing loans with a net loan amount of $5.19 billion. As one of the lead development
partners in energy, transport, water supply and sanitation, education and natural resources
sectors, ADB's cumulative lending to Bangladesh amounts to $15.13 billion for 246 loans, while
the technical assistance includes 432 projects amounting to $238.19 million.
GDP growth in FY2013 is expected to be lower than the previous years 6.3%, because of
continued weak external and domestic demand. Export growth is unlikely to pick up because of
fragile consumer confidence in euro zone countries and modest recovery in the United States
(US). Domestic demand is subdued because of low consumer and investor confidence, slower
growth in agricultural income because of lower rice price, and slowdown in real estate and
construction activities. Declines in capital machinery and industrial raw material imports also
indicate sluggish economic activity in the coming months. In addition, supply side constraints,
mainly electricity and gas shortages, will hold down short-term growth prospects. Economic
growth will also be affected by continued political unrest.
Capital goods import was 36.21 billion during December of FY2013 compared with the same
period of the previous year. Bangladesh received net FDI to the tune of US$ 806.52 million.
Statistics shows that Bangladesh received $1.29 billion inward FDI in 2012.
Fiscal deficit is contained within the budget target as annual development program (ADP)
implementation remains below target, current spending held in check because of periodic
adjustments in administered power and fuel prices, and moderate rise in revenue.
Boosting private investment is a priority:
Bangladesh needs to quickly address its key development challenges. Private investment needs
to rise. Infrastructure shortages, skills deficiency, and business regulatory environment need to
improve.

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Improving business climate is key to boosting private investment. Raising private investment
also requires an efficient banking system and a vibrant capital market. In particular, long-term
private infrastructure financing needs higher depth and efficiency of the financial system,
including the bond market. Bangladeshs trade regime also needs to be further liberalized and
existing anti-export biases need to be removed to raise competiveness. Trade logistics needs to
be improved and trade facilitation capacity needs to be strengthened.

Overall findings

Inflation rate was much lower in the October - December period of 2013 than the

reference period of 2012.

In October- December 2013 both nominal and real exchange rate appreciated but nominal

and real exchange rate depreciated in the reference period of 2012.

Bangladesh's gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2013 'softer' than in the 2012 as it

faces political transition.

Bangladesh received higher amount of remittance in October-December of 2013 than the
reference period of 2012.

References

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The financial express

Websites of Bangladesh bank
Websites of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics
http://www.dhakatribune.com/economy/2013/jul/03/remittance-inflow-breaks-record
http://www.mccibd.org/pdf/march2013/Bangladesh_News.pdf
http://www.philstar.com/business/2014/01/12/1277761/remittances-seen-record-highanew-nov
http://www.bangladesh-bank.org/pub/special/jan132013fininclcmp.pdf
http://www.bangladesh-bank.org/pub/monthly/selectedecooind/magecoinddec2012.pdf
http://www.bangladeshfirst.com
http://www.bbs.gov.bd/PageReportLists.aspx?PARENTKEY=145
http://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/pub/2013/ban-qeu-2013-03.pdf
http://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/ban-qeu-201203.pdf
http://www.bb.org.bd/econdata/wageremitance.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macroeconomics
http://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/gdp.asp
http://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/199.asp
http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com
http://www.theindependentbd.com