United News of Bangladesh

Newly appointed Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Chairman Masud Khan has pledged to restore investor confidence and undertake long-term reforms to build a transparent, fair and resilient capital market, acknowledging that the country's stock market is currently passing through a challenging period. “I am truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of warm wishes, congratulations, and messages of support that I have received over the past few days. My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you,” Masud Khan said in a post on his social media platform on Saturday, days after being appointed as the head of the market regulator. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead the commission, he said he was deeply humbled and privileged to serve as chairman of the BSEC at a critical juncture for Bangladesh's capital market. Masud Khan noted that restoring investor confidence, enhancing market depth and meeting stakeholders' expectations would be among the key challenges facing the commission. He acknowledged that reviving the market and placing it on a strong and sustainable footing would not be easy. The newly appointed chairman said accepting the responsibility was a difficult decision, particularly given the experiences of previous commissions and the complex challenges associated with reforming and developing the capital market. He also revealed that taking up the role required significant personal sacrifice, including giving up substantial financial benefits and a secure professional path built over a long corporate career. “Public service often demands that personal considerations take a back seat to a larger purpose,” he said, adding that encouragement from family, friends and colleagues ultimately influenced his decision to accept the position. Masud Khan said the mission ahead extends beyond merely recovering the market and includes strengthening institutions, attracting quality companies and long-term investment, improving governance and transparency, embracing digitisation, promoting investor education and creating the foundation for sustainable growth and innovation. He stressed the importance of striking a balance between regulation and deregulation, saying his guiding principle would be to “regulate where necessary, simplify where possible.” The BSEC chairman also emphasised that meaningful reforms cannot be achieved by any individual or institution acting alone. He pledged to remain open to feedback, suggestions and constructive criticism from investors and stakeholders while acting in the best interests of the capital market and the broader economy. Referring to his personal faith, Masud Khan said he believes that Allah is the best planner and expressed confidence that divine guidance and blessings would help overcome the challenges ahead. Calling the task a collective endeavour, he sought the support and cooperation of investors, listed companies, intermediaries, regulators, policymakers, professional bodies and the media to rebuild trust in the country's capital market. “With the support, cooperation, and goodwill of all stakeholders, I am confident that together we can restore confidence and build a transparent, fair, vibrant, and resilient capital market,” he said. Masud Khan concluded by thanking well-wishers for their encouragement, support and prayers, saying he looks forward to working closely with all stakeholders in advancing the development of Bangladesh's capital market.

Masud Khan, the newly appointed chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), on Tuesday promised a sweeping transformation of the country's capital market, outlining plans to scrap floor prices, crack down on market manipulation, attract foreign investment, and shift the market from retail-investor dependence to an institutionally driven, credible investment destination. Delivering his inaugural address at a press conference at the BSEC office in Agargaon, shortly after taking charge on Tuesday afternoon, Masud acknowledged that the capital market had failed to keep pace with Bangladesh's broader economic growth and that investor confidence had been severely eroded over the years. “Trust is not built through speeches. Trust is not built by artificially supporting the market. Trust comes from fairness, transparency, consistency and accountability,” the new BSEC chairman said. In one of his most significant policy pronouncements, Masud declared that no floor price would be imposed on securities in the future, and that existing floor prices would be phased out in a calibrated manner based on market conditions, allowing the market to return to a natural price discovery process. Masud set out an unambiguous vision for the regulator: to transform Bangladesh's capital market from a retail-driven frontier market into a transparent, institutionally anchored market capable of mobilising long-term domestic and international capital for the country's economic growth. He said the new commission had assumed responsibility at a critical juncture, when many investors had suffered losses, quality companies remained reluctant to list, foreign investor participation had dwindled, and the mutual fund industry had failed to earn public trust.  

Dhaka's stock market surged to its highest turnover of 2026 on Thursday as the capital market regulator Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) saw its outgoing chairman resign and a new one appointed on the same day. Trading on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) hit Tk 1,351 crore by the close of the session, the highest single-day turnover this year, buoyed by renewed investor confidence following the leadership transition at the top securities regulator. Markets began climbing in the morning after news of the resignation of BSEC Chairman Khondoker Rashed Maqsood and four commissioners spread around. Turnover crossed Tk 1,000 crore before noon. Sentiment strengthened further during the session when Masud Khan was appointed as the new BSEC chairman, pushing activity higher through the closing bell. The previous year-high turnover had been set just a day earlier, when DSE turnover stood at Tk 1,279 crore on Wednesday. Positive momentum had, in fact, defined the entire week. All four trading sessions since markets reopened Monday following the Eid-ul-Azha holiday recorded gains, with the benchmark index rising on each day. Thursday was no exception. The flagship DSEX index gained 33 points, the Shariah-based DSES rose 9 points, and the blue-chip DS30 index added 11 points. Advancers outpaced decliners with 242 companies posting gains against 104 losers, while 45 scripts closed unchanged. Genex Infosys PLC led the gainers with a 10 percent jump, while Jamuna Bank PLC was the top loser, shedding nearly 10 percent. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also closed in the green. The all-share index CASPI advanced 83 points, with 152 companies advancing against 74 declining and 29 unchanged. Total turnover at the CSE stood at Tk 27.46 crore.  

Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) on Thursday organised a free preliminary investment education workshop exclusively for women investors, continuing its series of financial literacy programmes aimed at encouraging greater female participation in the country's capital market. The daylong workshop was held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the BSEC headquarters. A total of 35 women comprising investors and prospective investors attended the session. BSEC Commissioner Farzana Lalarukh inaugurated the training programme and underscored the critical importance of women's financial awareness. "It is very important that women, whether students, homemakers, or working professionals have a basic understanding of investment. Whoever understands and invests wisely will benefit. By making knowledge-based decisions and ignoring market rumours, one can invest their savings profitably," Farzana said. The workshop covered three core areas: Fundamental Financial Literacy, Investment Risk, and Investor's Protection, as well as Financial Planning. Participants received hands-on guidance aimed at equipping them to make informed, evidence-based decisions in the stock market. At the conclusion of the programme, certificates were distributed among all participants. The closing remarks and certificate distribution were presided over by BSEC Commissioner Md. Saifuddin. The event was organised by BSEC's Training Department under its Financial Literacy Division, as part of the commission's ongoing efforts to widen investor education and strengthen market confidence among women across the country.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has fined top officials of Fortune Shoes Limited over unpaid cash dividends and listing fees, while also taking several policy decisions at its 1,013th commission meeting. The meeting was held on Tuesday at the commission’s headquarters with BSEC Chairman Khondoker Rashed Maqsood in the chair, according to a press release issued on Wednesday. The commission said Fortune Shoes had declared a 10 percent cash dividend and a 5 percent bonus dividend for the financial year ended June 30, 2022. However, the listed company failed to disburse Tk 3.98 crore out of its total cash dividend payout of Tk 16.25 crore. The company also failed to pay Tk 18.29 lakh in listing fees to the Dhaka Stock Exchange for the previous three years until July 31, 2023. The commission directed the company to clear the unpaid cash dividend and listing fees within 30 days of the order. It also decided to impose financial penalties on responsible individuals for violating securities laws and harming investors’ interests. The fines must be deposited with the commission within seven days. Under the decision, Fortune Shoes Chairman Md Mizanur Rahman was fined Tk 5 crore. Directors Md Amanur Rahman, Robiul Islam and former director Md Khosrul Islam were each fined Tk 50 lakh. Managing Director Roksana Rahman was also fined Tk 50 lakh. Chief Financial Officer Jamil Ahmed Chowdhury was fined Tk 10 lakh, while former Company Secretary Riaz Uddin Bhuiya was fined Tk 5 lakh. In another decision, BSEC said if any listed company’s board is restructured by a primary regulatory authority and the reconstituted board jointly holds less than 30 percent shares, restrictions on capital raising through rights shares, bonus shares or similar measures will no longer apply. The commission also decided that listed banks under the ‘A’ category on stock exchanges will be allowed to maintain dividend accounts with their own banks. Besides, BSEC decided to continue organising the “BSEC Capital Market Journalism Excellence Awards and Fellowship 2026”, following last year’s initiative aimed at encouraging transparent, research-based financial journalism. The commission said the fellowship would help journalists enhance their knowledge of global financial markets, strengthen analytical skills and promote ethical reporting standards. Last year, BSEC introduced the programme for the first time and awarded nine journalists in print, electronic and online media categories.    

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.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has rejected a proposal from the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) to list 35 percent of its blocked shares on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE). The decision came at the commission’s 967th meeting, presided over by BSEC Chairman Khondoker Rashed Maqsood. On July 13, at its 143rd board meeting, CSE decided, under the Exchanges Demutualization Act, 2013, to sell the shares that have remained blocked for over a decade. It subsequently sought BSEC’s approval. CSE’s plan was to list the shares on the DSE, with 20 percent to be sold to four to five reputed local and foreign institutions that are not current shareholders of CSE, and the remaining 15 percent to be offered to general investors through a special book-building process. Stocks sink for sixth day as losses grip Bangladesh’s both bourses The commission, however, said there is a restriction on directly listing the shares of any private company, other than state-owned enterprises, on the stock exchange. It also said that CSE’s proposed 20 percent private placement and 15 percent public placement are inconsistent with the Demutualization Act. Citing further deficiencies in the application, the commission said CSE lacked operating profit from its core business, failed to attach an information document or prospectus and did not include copies of the board and shareholder meeting resolutions. As the proposal was found to be inconsistent with the law and not submitted in compliance with the rules, BSEC declined to allow the listing of CSE’s blocked shares on the DSE.

Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has made its investment education website and YouTube channel accessible through the Bangladesh National Portal (Bangladesh.gov.bd). From now on, investors can access all information related to BSEC’s investment education initiatives via the national portal, the regulator said in a press release on Wednesday. On the homepage of Bangladesh.gov.bd, users can scroll down and find the ‘All National Portals’ option on the right side. By clicking on ‘Chattogram Division’ (chattogramdiv.gov.bd), the homepage for the division will appear. Scrolling to the bottom right corner, users will find the ‘investment education programme’ section with links to both the website and YouTube channel. Similar links have been added to all divisional pages, enabling investors from any part of the country to gain knowledge about the capital market. As part of its awareness-raising activities, the commission has launched initiatives offering basic concepts of investment, awareness messages, documentaries and video content via its investment education website (www.finlitbd.com) and YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/@financialliteracyprogramba6178), the release said. It says that investment education helps investors avoid financial fraud and build a secure financial future. It equips them with the necessary knowledge to assess various investment products and make informed decisions.  

A group of unruly officers at the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) caused massive disruption on Wednesday, hindering the commission’s operations during an ongoing investigation into irregularities in the capital market. The officers' actions have raised serious concerns about internal discipline and the functioning of this key financial institution, the BSEC said in a press release. The BSEC had formed a committee to probe various irregularities involving 12 listed companies, with the committee already submitting seven investigation reports. Based on these reports, charges were being formulated against various institutions in the capital market, as well as certain BSEC officials. In response to the investigations and multiple complaints, the commission’s Executive Director, Saifur Rahman, was sent on forced retirement March 4 2025, after 25 years of service, following the due process. Police deployed as BSEC chairman confined in office But in an unprecedented move, a group of BSEC officers violently disrupted the Commission’s internal operations, the release added. They (unruly officers) forcibly entered the ongoing meeting of the Commission’s board room, locking the main gate and turning off CCTV cameras, which further escalated the situation. In a brazen act of defiance, they also cut off the electricity supply, creating a chaotic and frightening atmosphere. The officers continued their aggressive behavior by using foul language and showing physical force. In addition, they insulted the newly appointed PS of the Chairman, a Senior Assistant Secretary of the government, it said. The officers issued an ultimatum, demanding the immediate reversal of the decisions made regarding the retirement of Rahman and other related matters. They threatened that if their demands were not met, the Commission’s entire leadership would have to resign, it added. This extreme disruption lasted for four hours, with the BSEC’s operations coming to a standstill. The situation quickly escalated to the point where the police and, later, the army had to intervene to restore order and control. BSEC, being an essential infrastructure institution (CII), was left in a state of siege until security forces took charge and secured the building, the release also said. This alarming incident has sparked outrage and concerns about the internal culture at BSEC. The officers' actions have highlighted a disturbing level of insubordination and a lack of respect for the authority of the Commission. The disruptive behaviour also put into question the stability and integrity of the institutions responsible for overseeing the capital market and enforcing regulations.

The private-sector Dutch-Bangla Bank PLC has received approval from the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) to issue subordinated bonds worth Tk 1,200 crore in the market. The approval follows the bank's application on December 28, 2023, seeking to issue the bonds to strengthen its capital base under the Basel III international regulatory framework. According to the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the bonds will be unsecured, non-convertible, and redeemable in nature. Dutch-Bangla Bank plans to issue a total of 1,200 bonds, each priced at Tk 1 crore. The bank's financial performance has shown a declining trend in recent quarters. Read: MTB invests in treasury bills, bonds as private sector credit growth declines In the third quarter of last year, the bank's earnings per share (EPS) stood at Tk 0.38, a significant drop from Tk 1.97 during the same period in 2023. For the first three quarters of 2024, the bank reported an EPS of Tk 2.70, compared to Tk 4.71 during the same period the previous year.