The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) has announced an ambitious plan to list at least 10 blue-chip companies by 2027 to revitalize Bangladesh's slumping capital market. DSE Chairman Mominul Islam confirmed that the target includes state-owned enterprises, multinational corporations and large local firms also noting the market hasn't seen a high-quality Initial Public Offering (IPO) in over two years.
To support this goal Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) is drafting new regulations to simplify and speed up IPO and direct-listing processes. Furthermore, to encourage fundraising also companies applying for bond listings by March 2027 will receive a 50% fee waiver.
In a major move prioritizing public value and market trust DSE will also compensate individuals who lost money to five defaulting brokerage houses. Out of 17,925 affected investors 17,332 (around 97%) with claims up to Tk.500,000 will receive their money back in full from the Investor Protection Fund (IPF).
Refund disbursements will begin on September 28 and are expected to be completed within two months. "Many people, including retired teachers and bankers invested their life savings and were caught in the crisis. This decision was taken out of a moral and humanitarian responsibility" the DSE chairman stated.
For the remaining 593 investors with claims exceeding Tk.500,000 the BSEC will pursue legal action to recover funds. This will involve selling the defaulting brokerages' shares and properties as well as the personal assets of their directors. These combined efforts aim to safeguard funds and restore confidence among small investors.
