United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s capital markets continued their downward trend for a third straight day, with indices on both the Dhaka and Chattogram stock exchanges falling in the first hour of trading on the week's final working day. At the outset of trading, the benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the DSEX, dropped by 9 points. Among the other indices, the Shariah-based DSES slipped by 1 point, while the DS30 index, which comprises selected blue-chip stocks, declined by 3 points. A majority of the listed companies experienced a fall in share prices. While 109 companies saw gains, prices declined for 179 companies and remained unchanged for 92. Market slumps again in Dhaka and Chattogram bourses In the first hour of trading, shares and units worth approximately Tk 65 crore were exchanged on the Dhaka market. Similar to Dhaka, the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) also witnessed a declining trend. The overall index of the CSE fell by 32 points. Out of the 73 companies that participated in trading, share prices rose for 16, declined for 44, and remained unchanged for 13. At the start of the day, shares and units worth Tk 1 crore were traded on the Chattogram Stock Exchange.

Bangladesh’s capital markets witnessed yet another day of decline on Wednesday, as both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) continued to fall, with all key indices ending lower and the majority of listed shares losing value. This marks the third consecutive day of downward momentum, following losses in the previous two sessions. At the DSE, the benchmark index DSEX shed 38 points, while the Shariah-based DSES fell by 10 points. The DS30 index, which tracks blue-chip stocks, lost 7 points. Out of the 399 companies traded during the session, 292 saw price declines. Only 61 registered gains, while prices of 46 issues remained unchanged. The downtrend was observed across all categories of shares – A, B, and Z. In the A-category, which consists of fundamentally strong dividend-paying stocks, 153 out of 218 companies closed lower, while 39 gained and 26 remained unchanged. Mutual funds also faced pressure, with 21 out of 36 declining. Only 3 funds saw an uptick, while 12 remained unchanged. Bangladesh signs deal to receive $1.3 billion IMF loan: BB Governor Block market transactions involved 22 companies with a total turnover of Tk 16 crore. Renata Limited led the segment with shares worth Tk 4.96 crore traded. Turnover at the DSE also dropped, amounting to Tk 294 crore for the day – down from Tk 343 crore in the previous session. City General Insurance topped the gainers’ list with a 9.91 percent rise, while NRB Bank ended at the bottom, losing over 6.77 percent. Decline in Chattogram as Well The bearish trend extended to the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE), where the overall index dipped by 71 points at the close of trading. Out of 196 traded companies, 127 declined, 44 advanced and 25 remained unchanged. Turnover at the CSE stood at Tk 11.12 crore, a notable rise from Tk 7.67 crore in the previous session. Sonali Life Insurance emerged as the top gainer at the CSE with a 10 percent price increase, while KDS Accessories Limited saw the sharpest fall, shedding over 9.82 percent. Both bourses now await a possible reversal amid cautious investor sentiment and a challenging economic backdrop.

Although trading began positively on Tuesday, both the Dhaka and Chattogram stock markets ended the day with most company shares losing value. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark index DSEX fell by 46 points. The Shariah-based DSES declined by 12 points, while the blue-chip index DS30 dropped by 16 points. Out of the 398 companies traded on the DSE, prices fell for most. Only 54 companies saw an increase in share price, while 309 declined and 35 remained unchanged. Share prices declined across all three categories — A, B, and Z. In the A category, which comprises fundamentally strong companies with regular dividend history, 32 out of 220 companies saw price appreciation, while 178 experienced a fall and 10 remained unchanged. Dhaka, Chattogram share markets open with gains in key indices Among the 36 mutual funds traded, prices fell for the majority. Only 2 mutual funds registered gains, 32 declined, and 2 remained unchanged. In the DSE block market, shares of 22 companies were traded for a total value of Tk 9.14 crore. SEML Lecture Equity Management Fund topped the block trades with sales worth Tk 2.44 crore. Alongside the index drop, the daily turnover also declined in the Dhaka market. Total turnover stood at Tk 343 crore, down from Tk 364 crore in the previous session. First Bangladesh Fixed Income Fund was the top gainer on the DSE with an 8.11 percent price increase. On the other hand, Midas Financing suffered the biggest loss, with a price drop of over 16 percent. Fall in Chattogram as Well The Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) also experienced a decline, mirroring the trend in Dhaka. The overall index at the CSE dropped by 36 points during the day's trading. Out of 201 companies traded, 55 gained in price, 113 fell, and 33 remained unchanged. Total turnover at the CSE stood at Tk 7.67 crore, slightly up from the previous session’s Tk 7.29 crore. ICB Second Mutual Fund topped the gainers’ list on the CSE with a 10 percent rise in price. Meanwhile, Midas Financing also recorded the highest loss at the CSE, with its share price falling by over 13 percent, similar to its performance on the DSE.

Trading in both the Dhaka and Chattogram stock exchanges began with gains in all major indices on Tuesday, the second working day of the week. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark index DSEX rose by 12 points. The Shariah-based index DSES increased by 4 points, while the blue-chip index DS30 edged up by 1 point. In the first hour of trading in Dhaka, share prices of 157 companies advanced, while 132 declined and 90 remained unchanged. Overall, the DSE recorded a turnover exceeding Tk 90 crore in the opening hour, with transactions involving shares and mutual fund units. Similarly, the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) also witnessed a positive start, with its overall index climbing by 26 points. DSE to operate on two Saturdays ahead of Eid vacation Out of 75 companies that took part in trading on the CSE, 39 saw price increases, 23 experienced declines and 13 remained unchanged. The total turnover in Chattogram during the first hour of trading crossed Tk 2 crore.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) on Monday announced that the stock market will remain open for normal trading on two upcoming Saturdays—17 May and 24 May—prior to the Eid-ul-Azha holidays. Despite Saturdays being regular weekly holidays, this move comes in light of the extended break for Eid. According to the DSE, the stock market will observe a 10-day closure from 5 June to 14 June, aligning with the government-declared public holidays and the usual weekend closures. The government has declared 11 and 12 June as official holidays, while 13 and 14 June fall on Friday and Saturday, respectively, which are already non-working days. In a related development, the Department of Off-site Supervision (DOS) of Bangladesh Bank has directed that all scheduled banks across the country will also remain open on the same two Saturdays—17 May and 24 May—as the stock market. DSE announces new trading hours for Ramadan While banks and the stock market will remain closed on 11 and 12 June in accordance with the government declaration, Bangladesh Bank has clarified that bank branches, sub-branches, and booths located in port and customs areas, including sea, land and airports, will remain operational 24/7 throughout the week, except on Eid day itself. This ensures uninterrupted banking services in vital economic zones during the holiday period. The extended holiday and adjusted working days are aimed at facilitating both investors and financial institutions while accommodating the religious and cultural significance of Eid-ul-Azha. DSE opens lower, CSE sees early gains

Bangladesh’s stock markets began the first trading day of the week with a decline, as all major indices in both Dhaka and Chattogram opened lower on Monday. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark index DSEX dropped by 2 points. The Shariah-based DSES index fell by 1 point, while the blue-chip index DS30 declined by 7 points. During the first half of the session in Dhaka, share prices of 169 companies increased, 166 declined and 55 remained unchanged. Overall, trading volume on the DSE surpassed Tk 170 crore in the first two hours, reflecting moderate investor activity. Share markets rebound sharply in both Dhaka, Chattogram Similarly, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also witnessed a downward trend, with the overall index falling by 6 points. Out of 98 companies that participated in trading on the CSE, prices rose for 47, fell for 33, and remained unchanged for 18. In the first half of trading, the CSE recorded share and unit transactions worth over Tk 4 crore.  

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday gave five specific directives to address the issues related to the country's capital market and keep it vibrant through necessary quick reforms.  After the meeting, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters that Prof Yunus gave five major directives.  Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed and stakeholders of the country’s capital market were present at the meeting, held at the State Guesthouse Jamuna.  "The Chief Adviser listened to them and gave necessary directives. We hope to see real and meaningful reforms in the stock market very soon," Press Secretary Alam said.  CA Prof Yunus seeks quick, coordinated actions for LDC graduation Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Khondoker Rashed Maqsood gave a broader picture of the capital market and highlighted the efforts that are underway. The Chief Adviser said people's trust will not be restored unless those involved in the past few decades of destabilising the stock market through looting are brought to justice. He said the state of the stock market that has been brought to is unimaginable. "We must overcome this situation. The necessary reforms in the stock market must be carried out to restore it to a state where people regain trust and it does not become a den of looters." Five Directives Take necessary steps to reduce the government's shareholding in government-owned multinational companies and include them in the capital market; Take necessary steps, including incentives, to encourage large domestic companies in the private sector to list in the capital market; Bring in foreign experts to reform the capital market within three months to prevent manipulation by vested interests; China emerges as a favourite destination for Bangladeshi students seeking higher education  Take strict action against everyone involved in irregularities in the capital market; And taking measures to encourage business organizations that require large loans to reduce their dependence on bank loans and raise funds from the capital market through bonds and equities.  

Stock market investors on Saturday called for the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), accusing him of failing to manage the market effectively. Leaders of the Bangladesh Capital Market Investors Association (BCMIA) made the demand at a press conference they held at the Capital Market Journalists Forum (CMJF) auditorium. Their statement comes ahead of a high-level meeting scheduled for Sunday, to be chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, aimed at reviewing the current condition and developments in the capital market. The investors asserted that without representation from genuine investor groups, the meeting would be ineffective. “If there is no investor representation among the stakeholders, the meeting will not yield meaningful outcomes,” they warned. According to the investors, the participants selected for the meeting do not truly understand the stock market’s challenges. Only those who have failed to play any effective role in solving the crisis have been included, they alleged. They claimed that the market’s consistent decline began after Rashed Maqsood took over as BSEC Chairman, blaming what they described as his flawed leadership. BCMIA leaders also alleged that the financial advisor to the government has not taken steps to remove Maqsood due to familial ties, while a special assistant to the Chief Advisor is also backing him. Weekly Stock Market: Investors question when will the downtrend end? In such circumstances, they believe this meeting on the capital market’s development will not produce the desired results. Speaking at the press conference, BCMIA President SM Iqbal Hossain and General Secretary Nurul Islam Manik reiterated their position, saying, Rashed Maqsood lacks sufficient knowledge about the stock market. This is not just our view but also that of other stakeholders, including a former BSEC chairman. His removal is urgently needed.

Bangladesh’s capital market wrapped up the week with modest gains, but not without a rollercoaster of volatility that left investors on edge and reignited concerns about the market’s underlying stability. A prolonged downtrend has led to growing discontent, with many questioning when the market will recover from its current state. Last Wednesday, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) witnessed a steep fall of 150 points in a single day, marking the largest drop of the year so far. Although the key index rose by nearly 100 points on the final trading day of the week, total turnover declined significantly—from the Tk 500 crore mark to the Tk 300-crore range -- indicating waning investor participation. Tarek Hasan, a decade-long investor in the stock market, said, “Every investor is frustrated. Fluctuations happen in markets around the world, but nowhere do we see such unrestrained plunges as in ours.” Mixed trends in stock markets: DSE gains, CSE declines in early trading Another investor, Kawsar Habib, added, “People once invested in the market with great enthusiasm. Even after the major manipulation in 2010, the market did not dip this low. Now, brokerage houses are nearly deserted, with few investors in sight.” Frustrated by the relentless fall, many investors are blaming the regulatory body—the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC). According to them, the Commission is taking a series of baffling decisions and is embroiled in internal conflicts, rather than implementing meaningful reforms that could revive the market. Throughout the week, the DSE’s key index dropped by 15 points. The Shariah-based DSES index declined by 19 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index fell by 2 points. The CSE index (CME) also saw a 7-point drop. DSE announces new trading hours for Ramadan Similar trends were observed in the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), where the overall index fell by 102 points over the week. Out of 307 companies traded, prices of 111 increased while 168 declined. The prices of 28 companies remained unchanged. Saiful Islam, President of the DSE Brokers Association of Bangladesh (DBA), commented on the deteriorating situation: “Panic is being created in the market regularly. A separate group is destabilising the market through rumours. A small trigger leads to a massive fall, which highlights the underlying weaknesses of the market structure.” Speaking on condition of anonymity, the Managing Director of a leading brokerage firm said, “The Commission is delaying reforms under the guise of restructuring. They are using the market as a testing ground for their experiments. Under such conditions, insiders see little hope of a recovery any time soon.” But, the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB), a key institutional player, remains cautiously optimistic. Abu Ahmed, Chairman of ICB, said, “We will soon sit for discussions with the Commission’s chief adviser. The government, at the highest level, is pushing for market stabilisation. We hope the situation will normalise within this year.” END/UNB/MM/SAM

After a steep fall triggered by tensions between India and Pakistan, the stock markets in Dhaka and Chattogram bounced back strongly on Thursday, the final trading day of the week, with the majority of shares recording price gains. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark index DSEX surged by 99 points, marking a 2 per cent rise compared to the previous session. The other two indices also posted gains: the Shariah-compliant DSES rose by 26 points, while the blue-chip index DS30 climbed by 27 points. On the day, the DSES gained 2.50 per cent and the DS30 increased by 1.50 per cent. Out of 394 companies traded at the DSE, share prices increased for 377, while only 10 saw a decline. The prices of seven companies remained unchanged. All three categories—A, B and Z—witnessed upward price movements. Besides, all 36 traded mutual funds recorded price increases. In the DSE block market, shares worth Tk 12.82 crore were traded from 28 companies. Midland Bank and Lovello led the trades, each selling shares worth Tk 1.90 crore. Total turnover at the DSE stood at Tk 366 crore, compared to Tk 516 crore in the previous session. Brokerage firms attributed the lower turnover to reduced selling pressure. IFC, Renata PLC partner to boost Bangladesh's pharmaceutical industry Among the top performers, NRBC Bank led the Dhaka market with a 9.86 per cent rise in share price, while Meghna Condensed Milk Limited saw the steepest drop, declining by 5.91 per cent. Strong Recovery Also in Chattogram The Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) also experienced a significant rebound, with its overall index increasing by 113 points. Out of 189 companies traded, 129 saw price gains, 45 declined and 15 remained unchanged. The total turnover at the CSE crossed Tk 21 crore. Deshbandhu Polymer, Crown Cement and NRBC Bank were the top performers at the CSE, each recording a 10 per cent increase. On the other hand, Eastern Insurance Company suffered a 10 per cent decline, placing it at the bottom of the day's chart.