<h1>Monetary Policy Committee holds policy rate at 5.5% citing steady growth, low near-term inflation and external risks</h1> The central bank's Monetary Policy Committee recorded a unanimous decision to hold the short-term policy rate at 5.5% in its August 4-6 meeting, citing steady growth and benign near-term inflation driven by food price moderation. The central bank governor noted potential undershooting of the inflation target in the short term, with monthly readings possibly dipping below the lower tolerance band, but projected headline inflation to rise from the third quarter. Given evolving external tariff uncertainties, the minutes state that monetary policy should remain watchful and responsive to emerging risks.