United News of Bangladesh

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) has cancelled the Trading Right Entitlement Certificate (TREC) of Sonali Securities Limited over violation of securities rules, the bourse said in a notice on Tuesday. DSE revoked TREC No. 261, issued in the name of Sonali Securities Limited, under Rule 7(3) of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission Rules, 2020, citing breach of Rule 3(2)(ga) of the same regulations. It urged all investors and clients of the company to immediately review the cash and securities balances in their respective accounts and settle any outstanding transactions without delay. DSE also called on investors, clients or other entities with pending claims, complaints or outstanding dues against Sonali Securities in connection with the cancelled TREC to submit written applications, supported by relevant documents, by May 21. Submissions may be sent to the Chief Regulatory Officer (Acting), DSE or filed online through the Customer Complaints Address Module.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has directed listed companies that failed to appoint female independent directors in line with the Corporate Governance Code, 2018, to complete the appointments by June 30 this year. The decision was disclosed on Sunday through a press release following a meeting held on April 29 with company secretaries of non-compliant listed firms at the commission’s headquarters in Agargaon. BSEC Executive Director Md Anwarul Islam presided over the meeting organised by the Corporate Governance Department. According to the regulator, legal action will be taken against companies that fail to comply after the June 30 deadline. BSEC said eligible candidates for the post may include women entrepreneurs, members of business bodies, corporate leaders, teachers of public and private universities, serving or retired government officials, professional degree holders and practising High Court lawyers. The commission made the appointment of at least one female independent director mandatory for listed companies through a gazette notification issued on April 29, 2024, after amending a provision of the Corporate Governance Code. Initially, firms were given one year to comply, while the deadline was later extended until December 31, 2025. According to updated information submitted by Dhaka Stock Exchange PLC, 163 listed companies have already appointed female independent directors, while 131 companies failed to meet the requirement within the stipulated timeframe.

Three banks lost their existing stock exchange category status on Wednesday as the Dhaka and Chittagong stock exchange downgraded them to the 'Z' category for failing to declare dividends for two consecutive years. Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, Standard Bank PLC and SBAC Bank PLC were stripped of their respective standings: Islami Bank from 'A' category and the other two from 'B' category, effective Wednesday, in accordance with provision 1(a) of BSEC directive. Stock brokers and merchant bankers have been directed to refrain from extending loan facilities for the purchase of securities of all three banks with immediate effect, as per rule 11(8) of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (Margin) Rules, 2025. All three boards of directors have recommended no dividend for the year ended December 31, 2025. Islami Bank reported a consolidated earnings per share (EPS) of Tk 0.85, net asset value (NAV) per share of Tk 44.52 and net operating cash flow per share (NOCFPS) of Tk 26.18 for 2025, against Tk 0.68, Tk 44.36 and Tk 57.90 respectively in 2024. Its AGM is scheduled for June 25, with a record date of May 21. Standard Bank posted a consolidated EPS of Tk 0.72, NAV per share of Tk 16.94 and NOCFPS of Tk 11.37 for 2025, compared to Tk 0.74, Tk 16.63 and Tk 3.86 (all restated) in 2024. Its AGM will be held on July 30 with a record date of June 3. SBAC Bank recorded a consolidated EPS of Tk 0.01, NAV per share of Tk 13.61 and NOCFPS of Tk 0.20 for 2025, against Tk 0.14, Tk 13.49 and Tk 7.62 respectively in the previous year. Its AGM is set for June 15 via a hybrid system, with a record date of May 20. Trading in the shares of all three companies on Wednesday carried no price limit following their corporate declarations, though floor prices remain applicable. Under BSEC policy, the 'Z' category encompasses companies that have failed to hold their AGM when due, failed to declare any dividend based on annual performance, remained non-operational for more than six months, or whose accumulated losses exceed paid-up capital after adjustment of revenue reserves.

Bangladesh's both stock exchanges began the week on a buoyant note Sunday, with benchmark indices on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) closing higher as overall turnover picked up noticeably from the previous session. The DSE's principal index, the DSEX, gained 17 points by the close of trading, while the blue-chip DS30 index added 11 points. The Shariah-based DSES, however, bucked the trend, edging down 1 point. Turnover on the DSE rose by nearly Tk 100 crore from the preceding session, with shares and units worth Tk 982 crore changing hands against Tk 884 crore recorded in the last trading day. Despite the headline index gains, declining issues outnumbered advancers. Of the stocks traded, 172 companies shed value while 157 advanced and 62 remained unchanged. In the block market, shares of 39 companies worth Tk 22 crore were traded, with Apex Spinning & Knitting Mills Ltd topping the segment at Tk 5 crore. Apex Tannery Ltd led the day's gainers with a near-10 percent price rise, while International Leasing and Financial Services Ltd slumped nearly 8 percent to bottom the table. The CSE mirrored the broader upswing, with its all-share index CASPI advancing around 45 points. Turnover at the port city bourse climbed to Tk 23 crore from Tk 21 crore in the prior session. Advancing and declining issues were nearly evenly matched at the CSE — 97 companies gained ground, 96 retreated and 28 held steady. Navana CNG Ltd surged 10 percent to lead gainers, while ICB AMCL 3rd NRB Mutual Fund fell by the same margin to top the day's losers.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) on Thursday reaffirmed that safeguarding investor interests will remain its foremost mandate as it works to energise the capital market through increased Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). Speaking at a discussion meeting titled "IPO Proceeds Utilization for Loan Repayment or Investments of Issuer" at the BSEC multipurpose hall in Agargaon, Commission Chairman Khondoker Rashed Maqsood said the regulator is committed to building a vibrant and sustainable capital market but not at the cost of investor protection. "The commission is working towards long-term and sustainable development of the capital market. Our efforts to encourage new company listings are ongoing," he said, adding, "but protecting investors remains one of BSEC's core mandates, and we will ensure that any policy development is consistent with that obligation." The meeting centred on how IPO proceeds may be used for loan repayment and investments and drew senior representatives from across the capital market ecosystem. Maqsood emphasised the need for stronger coordination among market institutions and said work is underway to bring public interest companies under a proper governance framework and to list fundamentally sound companies on the exchange. Business leaders and financial sector representatives at the meeting called on BSEC to adopt a more flexible stance on allowing IPO proceeds to retire debt. Syed Nasim Manzur, Managing Director of Apex Footwear and a member of the Private Sector Advisory Council, argued that most global markets impose no restrictions on using IPO funds for loan repayment. "Global standards should be considered in liberalising the use of IPO proceeds for debt settlement." Tapan Chowdhury, Chairman of the Central Depository Bangladesh Limited (CDBL) and Managing Director of Square Group, urged caution, however. He stressed that the actual benefit to the company or project must be carefully assessed before permitting such use. "Repaying loans for overly ambitious projects simply on the strength of a group's reputation would not be appropriate." Abdul Hai Sarker, Chairman of the Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB) and Chairman of Dhaka Bank PLC, underscored the broader economic argument, saying a robust capital market is essential for maintaining global competitiveness and ensuring sustainable growth. Mashrur Arefin, Chairman of the Association of Bankers Bangladesh (ABB) and Managing Director of City Bank PLC, said companies should have the option to restructure their capital by using IPO proceeds to repay productive or expansion-related loans. He added that with appropriate control mechanisms, even loans rescheduled no more than twice could be considered for such repayment given current economic conditions. Riyad Mahmud, President of the Bangladesh Association of Publicly Listed Companies (BAPLC), echoed the call for flexibility, noting that even well-run companies may carry rescheduled debt due to global crises. "Rigid policies framed for ideal conditions will not serve us well. The realities of the economy must be taken into account." Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) Chairman Mominul Islam said companies should be allowed to repay loans using IPO proceeds where it genuinely benefits them, but stressed the need for rigorous verification beyond mere disclosure and compliance checks. Kamran T Rahman, President of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka (MCCI), flagged a structural concern that long-term projects are being financed through short-term deposits. He called for policy alignment to channel long-term financing through the capital market instead. The meeting also covered developments in the bond market, long-term capital market financing, and corporate governance reforms. BSEC Commissioners Md. Mohsin Chowdhury, Md. Ali Akbar, and Md. Saifuddin, were among those present.

Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) bounced back on Wednesday as turnover surpassed the Tk 1,000 crore threshold for the first time in more than two months, with prices rising for most listed companies. Total turnover on the DSE reached Tk 1,056 crore during the day's session. The last time trading crossed that level was on February 17, when Tk 1,222 crore changed hands, signalling a prolonged dry spell that investors hope is now behind them. Advancers dominated the market, with 213 companies posting gains against 121 declines, while 57 remained unchanged. Dhaka stocks rebound in early trade after two-day losing streak All three key indices finished in the green. The benchmark DSEX rose 41 points, the Shariah-based DSES gained 3 points, and the blue-chip DS30 index climbed 20 points. In the block market, shares worth Tk 22 crore traded across 39 companies. Dominage Steel Building Systems Ltd led block transactions with Tk 7 crore in sales. Desh Garments Ltd topped the gainers' board with a rise of nearly 10 percent, while Shepherd Industries PLC slid nearly 8 percent to finish at the bottom. The rally extended to the port city, where the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also closed higher. The CASPI index advanced 60 points, with 110 companies gaining ground against 91 decliners and 29 unchanged. Turnover at the CSE stood at over Tk 17 crore, compared to Tk 33 crore the previous session. Midas Financing PLC led the gainers with a 10 percent rise, while Navana CNG Ltd shed 10 percent to close at the bottom.

Bangladesh’s stock markets staged a turnaround Tuesday morning, with both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) posting gains in the first half of the session after two consecutive days of losses. The DSE's benchmark DSEX index climbed 26 points at the opening, while the Shariah-compliant DSES gained 5 points and the blue-chip DS30 index rose 4 points. Advancing stocks dominated the session, with 250 companies posting gains against declines in 61 and 75 remaining unchanged. Turnover in the first half reached Tk 350 crore in shares and units. The CSE mirrored the uptrend, with the broad-based CASPI index adding nearly 20 points. Of the companies traded, 62 advanced while 31 declined and 9 remained flat. First-half turnover on the bourse stood at Tk 7 crore.

Shares around the world rose as investors grew optimistic of a ceasefire extension in the Iran war. In Europe, Britain’s FTSE 100, France’s CAC 40 and Germany’s DAX were all up by around 0.5%. In Asia, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 closed 2.4% while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 1.7% to 26,394.26. The Shanghai Composite index ended 0.7% higher. Pakistan’s army chief is set to meet with Iranian officials in Tehran on Thursday in a bid to extend the ceasefire which paused almost seven weeks of war between Israel, the U.S. and Iran that have killed thousands of people and upended global markets by disrupting the flow of oil.  Uncertainty remains whether the frantic diplomacy can lead to a deal. The meeting comes as President Donald Trump announced the leaders of Israel and Lebanon will speak later on Thursday about halting the fighting between them.  If it takes place, the conversation would be the first time the leaders of the two countries have spoken directly in more than 30 years.  Both Israeli and Lebanese governments refused to confirm a conversation.  

Bangladesh’s stock market saw a sharp decline in March 2026, with the benchmark DSEX index falling 7.53% to 5,178.31, down from 5,600.27 in February. The drop, equivalent to about 422 points, came amid a broad global sell-off, as all major equity indices tracked in the DSE Monthly Market Review recorded monthly losses. While Bangladesh was among the harder-hit markets, steeper declines were observed in Indonesia (-14.42%), Pakistan (-11.50%), and India (-11.49%). March proved a punishing month for global equities, with no market spared. In the Asia-Pacific region, Indonesia’s Jakarta Composite plunged 14.42% to 7,048.22 from 8,235.49 in February. Weekly Analysis: DSE, CSE edge higher, yet most stocks remain in the red Pakistan’s KSE 100 dropped 11.50% to 148,743.31, while India’s S&P BSE SENSEX fell 11.49% to 71,947.55. Taiwan’s weighted index declined 8.18% to 32,518.16, Thailand’s SET lost 5.24%, and Malaysia’s KLSE Composite slipped 1.53%. Among major Asian markets, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 9.56% to 53,221.50, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped 6.92% to 24,788.14, and Singapore’s Straits Times Index edged down 2.19% to 4,885.45—the smallest loss in the region. In Europe, Germany’s DAX declined 10.30% to 22,680.04, while the UK’s FTSE 100 fell 6.73% to 10,176.45. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 5.38% to 46,341.51, reflecting a broad risk-off sentiment globally. Despite widespread annual gains across most markets, Bangladesh and India stood out as the only Asia-Pacific economies posting year-on-year declines. The DSEX fell 0.78% compared to March 2025, while India’s SENSEX dropped a steeper 7.06%. In contrast, Taiwan’s index surged 57.12% year-on-year, Japan’s Nikkei rose 49.42%, Thailand’s SET gained 25.05%, and Pakistan’s KSE 100 advanced 26.26% despite its monthly fall. Singapore recorded a 22.98% annual gain, Malaysia 11.67%, and Indonesia 8.26%. In developed markets, the US Dow Jones rose 10.33% and the UK’s FTSE 100 gained 18.57%. Amid equity market weakness, Bangladesh recorded the most significant macroeconomic shift in the region, a 16.10% year-on-year decline in inflation, the sharpest among all markets tracked. This contrasts with rising inflation elsewhere: India (3.20%), Pakistan (7.00%), Indonesia (4.80%), and the United States (2.40%). Only Thailand reported a marginal decline of 0.90%. The sharp disinflation may provide some relief to policymakers and investors despite ongoing market pressure. Bangladesh’s GDP growth at current market prices stood at 11%, the second highest in the review after Taiwan’s 12.70% This outpaced India (7.80%), Singapore (6.90%), and Indonesia (5.40%). Advanced economies lagged significantly, with the US growing at 2%, the UK at 1 percent, and Germany and Japan at just 0.40%. However, Bangladesh’s 10-year government bond yield remained elevated at 10.32% among the highest in the region, behind only Pakistan’s 12.73%. Higher yields tend to divert funds from equities to fixed-income instruments, which may be weighing on the stock market. India’s bond yield stood at 7.00%, Indonesia’s at 6.89%, while Taiwan and Singapore posted much lower yields at 1.54% and 2.89% respectively. Capital market experts said the March data highlights a persistent disconnect between Bangladesh’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals and weak equity market performance. Despite robust GDP growth and sharply declining inflation typically supportive of equities, the DSEX has posted a year-on-year decline, pointing to structural challenges such as high bond yields, shallow market depth, and limited institutional participation. Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) Chairman Abu Ahmed said a sustained recovery in the DSEX will depend on reducing borrowing costs, maintaining the disinflation trend, and strengthening investor confidence. He added that while March was difficult for investors, the easing inflation trend offers a positive signal that could help stabilise the market in the coming months.

Stock indices advanced on both bourses over the week despite a majority of listed companies witnessing price declines, reflecting a mixed trading pattern. According to the weekly market pulse of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark DSEX gained 37 points. The Shariah-based DSES rose 3 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index added 21 points. The SME index, DSMEX, posted a sharp rise of 120 points. On a year-on-year basis, DSEX and DS30 increased by 8 percent each, while DSES grew by 6 percent and the SME index by 11 percent. DSE meets Chinese investors' body to boost capital market cooperation However, market breadth remained negative on the DSE, with prices falling for most issues. Of the traded securities, 220 declined, 138 advanced and 29 remained unchanged. Average daily turnover slightly increased to Tk 669 crore, up from Tk 668 crore in the previous week. Sector-wise, only eight out of 21 sectors posted gains, while 13 sectors declined. Stocks in the ceramic, mutual fund and tourism sectors fell by more than 30 percent. Except for general insurance, all financial sector stocks ended lower. Bank stocks declined by around 5 percent, non-bank financial institutions by about 11 percent, and life insurance shares dropped nearly 20 percent. In block trading, GQ Ball Pen Industries topped the chart with shares worth Tk 20 crore, followed by Al-Arafah Islami Bank (Tk 18 crore), Fine Foods Limited (Tk 16 crore) and City Insurance (Tk 14 crore). Bangladesh Autocars Limited emerged as the top gainer on the DSE, with its share price rising to Tk 222 at the end of the week from Tk 181 a week earlier, marking a 22 percent return. On the losing side, APSCL Non-Convertible and Fully Redeemable Coupon Bearing Bond plunged over 15 percent, with its price dropping to Tk 1,115 from Tk 1,320. Meanwhile, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also saw indices close higher. The benchmark CASPI rose 73 points, while the CSE30 and CSE50 indices gained 111 points and 4 points respectively. Despite the index ending higher, most stocks on the CSE declined, with 144 issues losing value, 123 gaining and 30 remaining unchanged. Top gainers at the CSE included Sonargaon Textiles, MK Footwear, KDS Accessories, Vanguard AML Rupali Bank Balanced Fund and ACME Pesticides Limited. The major losers were Premier Leasing and Finance, MIDAS Financing, Pragati Insurance, PHP First Mutual Fund and Global Heavy Chemicals Limited.