Bangladesh can bring down inflation to 4 percent or 5 percent if the government ensures consistent policy implementation and sustained economic efforts, said Ahsan H Mansur, governor of Bangladesh Bank, yesterday.

"If we keep printing money on one hand and then complain that inflation isn't coming down on the other, that won't work," he said.

He made the comment at the inauguration of a "Banker SME Women Entrepreneurs' Gathering, Product Exhibition and Fair 2025" at Bangla Academy in the capital.

The event was organised by the SME and Special Programs Department of Bangladesh Bank.

Mansur said, "We must take a firm stance on this issue, and that's the approach we're following. It's taking some time for inflation to ease, but gradually, it will come down."

Bangladesh has been grappling with inflation at over 9 percent for more than two years, which has severely eroded people's purchasing power, while the economy has been suffering from a slowdown.

Mansur said food inflation in the country was at 14.5 percent, which has now come down to 8.5 percent.

Non-food inflation was over 12.5 percent, and that too has slightly declined to just above 9 percent, he said.

"I'm optimistic that it will gradually fall further," he added.

"If we make a concerted effort and maintain policy stability, bringing inflation down to 4 to 5 percent is not impossible—and that would be the most acceptable solution for everyone," he added.

Mansur said, "There are many barriers for women in accessing loans. We need to work on how to better support their advancement. Women currently receive only 6 percent of loans from the banking sector."

He said, "This is not realistic at all. We must take up initiatives to increase their access to loans and enhance their financial awareness."

Bangladesh Bank organised the fair to promote greater participation and financial inclusion of women entrepreneurs. The four-day event will run until May 11, featuring 68 women entrepreneurs from different districts who will be showcasing their products.

Earlier, the central bank had organised this fair from 2014 to 2020. However, due to the pandemic and other factors, the event had been on hold for the past four years.