The Bangladesh Capital Market Investors Association (BCMIA) has formally called for a complete restructuring of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) to restore trust among investors and bring stability to the country’s capital market.
The demand was made in a letter sent on Sunday, February 22, to the newly appointed Finance Minister of the newly elected government, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury. The letter was signed by BCMIA President S.M. Iqbal Hossain and General Secretary Nurul Islam Manik.
Renewed Hope Amid Political Transition
In the letter, the association noted that the inclusion of capital market development in the new government’s election manifesto has sparked fresh hope among stakeholders. This optimism was immediately visible on the first trading day following the election, when the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) saw a significant surge in its benchmark index and recorded the highest transaction volumes in recent times.
Crisis of Confidence
Despite the positive start for the new administration, BCMIA expressed strong dissatisfaction with the current leadership of the regulatory body. The organization alleged that the commission has failed to create the expected stability or protect investor interests.
“The crisis of confidence in the market has deepened due to the activities of the commission formed after 2024,” the BCMIA stated in the letter, adding that the regulatory environment has not been sufficiently investor-friendly.
Path Toward Reform
To build a “knowledge-based, transparent, and investment-friendly” market, the BCMIA urged the Finance Minister to appoint qualified, experienced, and honest individuals to the BSEC. The association emphasized that a robust and modern capital market is essential for:
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Industrialization of the country.
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Employment generation.
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Increased investment flow.
The organization called for the Finance Minister’s direct intervention to initiate rapid reforms and restructure the commission to overcome the long-standing stagnation of the market. They expressed confidence that with active government support, the capital market will regain its momentum and contribute significantly to the national economy.
