Bangladesh, Aug. 30 -- Bangladesh has long regarded marriage and family formation as major social milestones.

However, rising inflation and the costs of housing, education, healthcare, and transportation, along with labor market uncertainty, are disrupting this pattern.

For many young people, marriage has become an economic calculation rather than a purely personal or cultural choice, leading to delayed marriages, smaller family aspirations, shifting gender expectations, and greater financial dependence on families.

The most immediate effect of rising living costs is delayed marriage. Establishing an independent household, especially in urban areas, requires a stable income that many young people lack.

Rent, utilities, food, transpor...