Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part D (2024)

Purpose: This paper provides a succinct overview of Bangladesh's economic landscape in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the key challenges of balance of payments (BoP) deficits and rising inflation.
Design/methodology/approach: The study examines the economic challenges faced by Bangladesh post-pandemic, focusing on the balance of payments deficit and rising inflation. It uses secondary data from various sources to analyze three distinct periods: pre-pandemic (2016-2019), pandemic (2020-2021), and post-pandemic (2022-2023). The analysis uses year-on-year percentage changes, moving averages, and exponential smoothing techniques to measure economic shifts and uncover underlying trends in BoP and inflation data. The study also examines cyclical patterns and seasonal effects to provide a comprehensive understanding of post-pandemic economic dynamics.
Findings: The study reveals several significant findings regarding Bangladesh's post-pandemic economic challenges. Firstly, it identifies a persistent imbalance in the country's balance of payments (BoP), characterized by a deficit that has persisted through the pandemic and into the post-pandemic period. This deficit suggests ongoing vulnerabilities in Bangladesh's external trade and finance dynamics. Secondly, the analysis indicates a concerning trend of increasing inflation rates, which could potentially erode purchasing power and exacerbate economic hardships for the population. These findings underscore the importance of addressing structural issues in trade and fiscal policies to bolster the resilience of Bangladesh's economy in the face of external shocks. Moreover, the study highlights the need for targeted measures to mitigate the impact of inflation on households and businesses, ensuring sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the post-pandemic era.
Originality/value: The study provides a detailed analysis of Bangladesh's post-pandemic economic challenges, focusing on the balance of payments deficit and rising inflation. It utilizes various analytical techniques and data sources to offer insights into economic trends, cyclical patterns, and potential seasonal effects. The research contributes valuable evidence-based insights for policymakers and stakeholders to develop effective strategies for sustainable economic recovery and growth in Bangladesh post-COVID-19.