Dhaka, Aug. 18 -- Rice prices in Bangladesh continue to climb during the full Boro paddy season, despite duty exemptions for importers and falling international prices, raising concerns over food and overall inflation. Experts have described the trend as abnormal and urged the government to identify the underlying causes and take strict action.

A report released on Sunday by the General Economics Division (GED) of the Bangladesh Planning Commission highlighted that rice remains a key driver of both food and overall inflation.

Overall inflation stood at 8.55 per cent in July, slightly up from 8.48 per cent in June, while food inflation rose to 7.56 per cent. Rice alone accounted for more than half of food inflation in July, with medium a...