Trading operations across 22 trekholder brokerage houses under the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) remain suspended due to widespread financial irregularities, fraud, and a systemic lack of regulatory oversight. The suspensions have thrown the funds and shares of thousands of general investors into severe uncertainty.
According to sources at the premier bourse, the suspensions stem from severe discrepancies in Consolidated Customers’ Accounts (CCA), net worth shortfalls, and improper custody of investors’ funds and shares.
Among the affected brokerages, substantial fund deficits have been identified in several prominent houses:
-
Moshihor Securities: Tk 161 crore deficit
-
Tamha Securities: Tk 140 crore deficit
-
Banco Securities: Tk 128 crore deficit
-
Crest Securities: Tk 126 crore deficit
In addition, operations at 18 other brokerage firms—including Beximco Securities, Sinha Securities, PFI Securities, Salta Capital, and Dawn Securities—have been halted. Meanwhile, a deficit of Tk 52 crore was recently uncovered at NRBC Securities, though its trading activities currently remain operational.
DSE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Asadur Rahman noted that severe governance issues plague these delinquent firms. In several cases, the actual owners cannot be traced, while others are embroiled in ownership disputes. Additionally, investigations by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) are underway for a few of the brokerages.
Frustrated investors are demanding the immediate return of their trapped capital. Representatives from Moshihor Securities stated that efforts are being made to liquidate company assets to settle client claims within the next two to three months. Capital market experts have urged regulators to conduct thorough forensic audits, freeze the personal assets of responsible individuals, and sell those assets to reimburse affected investors without delay.
In response to the growing crisis, the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) is moving to enforce stricter oversight across brokerage houses:
-
Special Audit Panel: The BSEC has directed the DSE to form a specialized auditor panel to conduct unannounced, surprise inspections of brokerage houses.
-
Strict Penalties: Firms found guilty of severe irregularities will face immediate suspension of operations and cancellation of their broker licenses.
-
Investor Protection Fund: The regulator has ordered the initiation of payouts to defrauded investors using the DSE Investor Protection Fund.
-
Asset Liquidation & Legal Action: The BSEC reaffirmed plans to seize and sell brokerage assets, recover funds directly from company owners, and pursue strict legal action against offenders.
