Dhaka, June 11 -- For umpteen people, BNP's return to power represents far more than a routine change of government rather an aspired upgrade in their standard of living.

It marked the culmination of a political struggle that had stretched over a decade and a half and culminated in the student-led uprising of 2024.

The election that followed brought with it hopes of economic relief, institutional renewal and a fresh start for a country weary of prolonged political turmoil.

Expectations were high.

Households hoped for respite from years of soaring cost of living. Many middle-income families, whose purchasing power had steadily eroded under persistent inflation, looked for measures that could ease their financial burden.

Young people s...