বাংলাদেশ ক্যাপিটাল মার্কেট সেন্টিমেন্ট সার্ভে ২০২৬-এ অংশগ্রহণকারীদের মতামতে বিষয়টি উঠে এসেছে। লংকাবাংলা সিকিউরিটিজ এ সার্ভে পরিচালনা করেছে। এতে বিভিন্ন প্রতিষ্ঠানের প্রধান নির্বাহী, পেশাজীবী, শেয়ার লেনদেনে সংশ্লিষ্ট নির্বাহী, ক্ষুদ্র বিনিয়োগকারী, স্বতন্ত্র ব্যবসাপ্রতিষ্ঠান, ছাত্রসহ অন্যান্য শ্রেণীর মানুষ মতামত দিয়েছেন।
বাংলাদেশ ক্যাপিটাল মার্কেট সেন্টিমেন্ট সার্ভে ২০২৬-এ দেশের অর্থনীতি, পুঁজিবাজার ও আর্থিক বাজারের বিভিন্ন বিষয়ে অংশগ্রহণকারীরা তাদের মতামত তুলে ধরেছেন। এতে দেশের অর্থনীতি নিয়ে একধরনের মিশ্র ও সতর্ক আশাবাদ প্রকাশ করা হয়েছে। ২৯ দশমিক ৭ শতাংশ উত্তরদাতার মতে, জিডিপি প্রবৃদ্ধি ৪ দশমিক ৫ থেকে ৫ দশমিক ৫ শতাংশের মধ্যে থাকবে। রেমিট্যান্স ও রিজার্ভ নিয়ে তারা ইতিবাচক ধারণা পোষণ করেছেন। ৩৯ দশমিক ৬ শতাংশ মনে করেন, রেমিট্যান্স ৩০ বিলিয়ন ডলার ছাড়িয়ে যাবে এবং ৪৭ দশমিক ৫ শতাংশ মনে করেন, বৈদেশিক মুদ্রার রিজার্ভ ৩০ বিলিয়ন ডলারের বেশি হবে।

৫৬ দশমিক ৪ শতাংশ উত্তরদাতার মতে, রাজনৈতিক ও প্রশাসনিক অনিশ্চয়তা হলো অর্থনীতির সবচেয়ে বড় ঝুঁকি। এছাড়া মূল্যস্ফীতি ও আর্থিক অস্থিরতাকেও বড় চ্যালেঞ্জ হিসেবে দেখা হচ্ছে। ৪৪ দশমিক ৬ শতাংশ মনে করেন ব্যাংক খাতের সংস্কার কিছুটা উন্নতি ঘটিয়েছে। যুবকদের কর্মসংস্থান এবং দুর্নীতি দমনকে ২০২৬ সালের প্রধান সংস্কারের ক্ষেত্র হিসেবে চিহ্নিত করা হয়েছে।

উত্তরদাতাদের বড় একটি অংশ ২৭ দশমিক ৭ শতাংশ আশা করছেন, ডিএসইএক্স সূচক ২০২৬ সাল শেষে ৫ হাজার ৫০০ থেকে ৬ হাজার পয়েন্টে গিয়ে দাঁড়াবে। দৈনিক গড় লেনদেন ৪০০-৬০০ কোটি টাকার মধ্যে থাকার সম্ভাবনা বেশি। পুঁজিবাজারে প্রবৃদ্ধির ক্ষেত্রে ব্যাংক খাত সবচেয়ে এগিয়ে থাকবে বলে মনে করছেন ৪৬ দশমিক ৫ শতাংশ উত্তরদাতা। এর পরেই রয়েছে ওষুধ ও রসায়ন এবং তথ্যপ্রযুক্তি খাত। ৪১ দশমিক ৬ শতাংশ উত্তরদাতা সাধারণ শেয়ার বা ইকুইটিকে সেরা সম্পদ হিসেবে মনে করছেন। এছাড়া ২৬ দশমিক ৭ শতাংশ উত্তরদাতা স্বর্ণে বিনিয়োগকে লাভজনক মনে করছেন। রাজনৈতিক ঝুঁকি (৪৩ দশমিক ৬ শতাংশ) এবং সুশাসনের অভাবকে (২৩ দশমিক ৮ শতাংশ) পুঁজিবাজারে বিদেশী বিনিয়োগ আসার পথে প্রধান বাধা হিসেবে মনে করছেন উত্তরদাতারা।

জরিপে অংশগ্রহণকারী ৬১ দশমিক ৪ শতাংশ উত্তরদাতা বিশ্বাস করেন, ২০২৫ সালের তুলনায় ২০২৬ সালে পুঁজিবাজারের স্বচ্ছতা ও সততা বাড়বে। ৪১ দশমিক ৬ শতাংশ মনে করেন, বাজার কারসাজি ও জালিয়াতি হলো বর্তমান বাজারের সবচেয়ে বড় নৈতিক সমস্যা। বিনিয়োগকারীদের আস্থা ফেরাতে আর্থিক প্রতিবেদনের স্বচ্ছতা (৩১ দশমিক ৭ শতাংশ) এবং আইনের কঠোর প্রয়োগের (২৮ দশমিক ৭ শতাংশ) ওপর সবচেয়ে বেশি গুরুত্ব দিয়েছেন উত্তরদাতারা। প্রায় ৪৬ দশমিক ৫ শতাংশ উত্তরদাতা মনে করেন, ইটিএফ, গ্রিন বন্ড ও রিয়েল এস্টেট ইনভেস্টমেন্ট ট্রাস্টের মতো নতুন পণ্য বাজারে আসা অত্যন্ত জরুরি।

In a comprehensive move to reinvigorate the country's sluggish capital market, key stakeholders have proposed a series of ambitious reforms ahead of the 2026-27 national budget, including mandatory listing for large corporations and sweeping tax adjustments.

The proposals, placed during a pre-budget discussion at the National Board of Revenue (NBR) headquarters today (1 April), aim to boost investor confidence, attract foreign participation and deepen market liquidity.

Representatives from the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), DSE Brokers Association (DBA), Central Depository Bangladesh Limited (CDBL), and the merchant bankers' association presented a unified set of recommendations. The session was chaired by NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan, alongside senior tax officials.

Market intermediaries stressed that the capital market must be treated as a central driver of economic growth rather than a peripheral sector.

Saiful Islam, president of the DSE Brokers Association, said the proposals are aligned with global standards and designed to create a more competitive and inclusive investment environment.
Infographic: TBS
Infographic: TBS

He emphasised that the current economic climate requires the government to treat the capital market as a primary engine for growth rather than a secondary thought.

A major focus of the recommendations is tax reform. The DSE proposed that tax deducted at source on interest income from listed bonds be treated as a final tax liability, simplifying compliance for investors. To further develop the bond market, it suggested a five-year tax exemption on interest income from Treasury bills, Sukuk, asset-backed bonds, and green bonds.

Stakeholders argue that a stronger bond market would reduce the government's reliance on bank borrowing and lower overall financing costs.

To address persistently low foreign participation, currently below 2%, the DSE recommended a five-year exemption on capital gains tax for non-resident investors. Market leaders believe such incentives could attract foreign portfolio investment, strengthen foreign currency reserves, and increase market activity.

The exchange also proposed a five-year tax holiday for companies listed on the SME board, including startups and greenfield ventures, to encourage smaller firms to raise funds from the capital market instead of relying on high-interest bank loans.

For individual investors, the DSE suggested reducing the capital gains tax rate from 15% to 5% on gains exceeding Tk50 lakh, while keeping gains below that threshold tax-free. According to the exchange, high tax rates have discouraged participation from high-net-worth individuals, contributing to declining turnover.

DSE Chairman Mominul Islam said, "We are now in the frontier market; from there, we want to go to the 'emerging market.' The number of investors in the capital market is now 16 lakh; we want to increase it to 50 lakh. We want to increase the daily transaction from Tk500 crore to Tk5,000 crore. As a result, the government's revenue will increase at least 10 times what comes from the capital market."

Stressing the need for cooperation for this transformation, he said they do not want anything that will reduce the government's revenue, but rather want restructuring.

One of the most significant proposals came from the DSE Brokers Association, which introduced a "Deemed-to-Be Listed Company" framework. Under this concept, companies meeting specific thresholds—such as Tk500 crore in paid-up capital, Tk1,000 crore in annual turnover, or Tk500 crore in bank loans—would be required to list on the stock market after a grace period of 15 to 20 years.

The DBA argued that many large corporations benefit from substantial state incentives without offering public ownership opportunities. Mandatory listing, they said, would enhance transparency and broaden investment access.

The association also called for action against inactive or "shell" companies. It proposed that firms failing to hold annual general meetings or declare dividends for three consecutive years should lose tax benefits and be taxed as non-listed entities. This, they believe, would improve accountability and remove underperforming companies from the market.

Additionally, the DBA reiterated its demand to eliminate double taxation on dividend income, noting that the current effective tax rate for individuals exceeds 40%, discouraging long-term investment.

In the credit market, the association proposed allowing listed bonds to be used as collateral for large bank loans, particularly those exceeding Tk500 crore with maturities of more than three years. This measure is expected to promote capital market-based financing.

Meanwhile, CDBL recommended increasing the minimum public shareholding requirement from 10% to 20% for companies seeking tax benefits. A higher public float, it said, would improve price discovery and reduce the risk of manipulation in thinly traded stocks.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange, for its part, emphasised the need for modern market infrastructure. It sought policy support and tax incentives for launching Bangladesh's first commodity exchange and derivatives trading platform. It also requested tax exemptions on specialised software imports required to establish these systems.

The Association of Bankers Bangladesh Limited (ABB) has proposed a series of tax relief measures and policy reforms, including removing the investment cap on government securities for individuals and exempting capital gains from treasury bills and bonds.

In its pre-budget recommendations for the 2026-27 fiscal year, the association presented a 14-point proposal to the National Board of Revenue (NBR) during a meeting in Dhaka today (1 April).

The pre-budget discussion was attended by NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan and senior officials of the revenue authority.

ABB Chairman and Managing Director of City Bank Mashrur Arefin urged authorities to introduce measures aimed at strengthening the financial sector and encouraging investment.

Among its key proposals, the ABB called for the withdrawal of the existing Tk5,00,000 ceiling on individual investment in government securities for tax rebate purposes, arguing that the restriction limits investors from fully utilising available tax benefits and discourages participation in a traditionally safe investment segment.

The association noted that instruments such as treasury bills, bonds, savings certificates, debt securities and Shariah-based sukuk remain highly attractive to investors, but the cap has reduced incentives, adversely affecting government cash flow.

The ABB also proposed that capital gains earned from treasury bills and bonds be made tax-free, instead of being taxed at the current rate of 15%. It argued that such a move would help develop a vibrant bond market and attract foreign investors, thereby supporting foreign exchange reserves.

In addition, the bankers' body recommended recognising provisions against non-performing loans as allowable expenses for tax purposes, reducing corporate tax rates to 30% or below, and removing limits on corporate social responsibility (CSR) expenditure.

Under current rules, CSR spending is capped at 10% of total income or Tk8 crore, whichever is lower, with only 10% tax rebate. The ABB suggested treating such expenditure as fully tax-deductible and lifting the ceiling altogether, stating that increased CSR spending would contribute to broader socio-economic development, including in education, healthcare, disaster management and environmental protection.

The association further called for the withdrawal of the requirement to submit proof of submission of income tax return for accessing banking services such as loans and fixed deposits, and reinstating the previous system of electronic Taxpayer Identification Number (e-TIN) submission.

At present, individuals without taxable income must submit proof of submission of income tax return to obtain loans exceeding Tk20 lakh or to open and maintain fixed deposits above Tk10 lakh.

The ABB argued that this requirement has negatively affected retail and CMSME (cottage, micro, small and medium enterprise) clients, pushing many towards informal lenders due to fewer documentation requirements.

It warned that such a trend could drive CMSMEs outside the tax net, whereas facilitating easier access to formal banking could boost future tax revenues, including income tax, VAT and excise duties, while also generating employment.

'Super tax' on stock dividends

The ABB also sought the withdrawal of the 10% "super tax" on stock dividends and retained earnings transfers by listed companies. Currently, companies face additional tax if stock dividends exceed cash dividends or if retained earnings transferred exceed 70% of post-tax net income.

The association argued that such taxes hinder banks' ability to strengthen their capital base, noting that scheduled banks are required to maintain a minimum capital adequacy ratio of 12.5% of risk-weighted assets.

The ABB also urged the NBR to allow provisions against classified and unclassified loans to be treated as tax-deductible expenses, recalling that such provisions were recognised as allowable expenses under earlier tax regulations before the 2006-07 fiscal year.

BRAC Bank PLC has decided to surrender its trustee registration for mutual funds to comply with updated regulations, a move that could have wider implications for the country's struggling fund management industry.

The bank, acting in its capacity as a trustee, has submitted an application to Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission seeking formal approval for the surrender, according to officials.

Shaheen Iqbal, additional managing director and head of Wholesale Banking at the bank, confirmed the development, saying a public notice has already been published to inform stakeholders of the decision to surrender the trustee licence.

Under the latest mutual fund regulations, banks are no longer allowed to act as both custodian and trustee for the same fund. BRAC Bank, which has primarily operated as a custodian and never served as a trustee, said it will continue focusing on that role to remain fully compliant with regulatory directives.

Market data shows several institutions—including Eastern Bank PLC, Agrani Bank, Investment Corporation of Bangladesh and Grameen Bank—currently act as trustees for mutual funds in Bangladesh.

Industry insiders have expressed concern over the move, noting that BRAC Bank's exit from the trustee segment could weaken confidence, given its reputation for strong governance and transparency.

They argue that the withdrawal of a credible institution from the trustee segment could further dent confidence in an industry already grappling with longstanding challenges.

The mutual fund sector has been under pressure in recent years due to allegations of malpractice and fund mismanagement, eroding investor trust and dragging down asset values.

Currently, Bangladesh has 38 closed-end and 90 open-end mutual funds in operation. The total asset base of closed-end funds stands at around Tk4,650 crore, while open-end funds account for Tk4,978 crore. Combined, the sector's value fell to Tk9,628 crore in FY2024–25, down from Tk10,729 crore a year earlier.

Nitol Insurance PLC, a listed insurer on the stock exchange, has recommended a 10% cash dividend for its shareholders for 2025.

In 2024, the company paid a 10% dividend, comprising 5% stock and 5% cash, according to company data.

Following the declaration, its share price today (1 April) surged by 3.66%, or Tk1, to Tk28.30 at the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE).

According to a disclosure published yesterday (31 March) on the stock exchange website, its earnings per share (EPS) declined to Tk1.93 for 2025, from Tk1.97 in the previous year.

Its net asset value per share stood at Tk31.30 and net operating cash flow per share at Tk0.28, compared to Tk31.33 and Tk0.22, respectively, in 2024.

The insurer has called its annual general meeting (AGM) on 12 July through a digital platform. The record date has been fixed for 10 May to determine eligible shareholders, the disclosure said.

Nitol Insurance was listed on the stock exchanges in 2005.

As of February, sponsor-directors held 35% of its shares, institutional investors 25.93%, and the general public 39.07%, according to available data.

Stocks staged a strong comeback today (1 April), with the benchmark Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) index posting a sharp gain after the government decided against raising fuel prices despite ongoing global energy market volatility.

The DSEX index surged 94 points, or 1.82%, to close at 5,272, recovering from a recent downturn linked to Middle East tensions. The blue-chip DS30 index also rose 41 points to settle at 2,001, reflecting renewed buying interest in fundamentally strong stocks.

Market activity turned decisively positive, with 327 advancing issues against 39 decliners, while 25 remained unchanged. Turnover rose significantly to Tk720 crore, and overall market capitalisation increased by around Tk4,000 crore.

Analysts and participants attributed the rally to improved investor sentiment following the government's decision, which eased fears of inflationary pressures and rising business costs.

EBL Securities noted the rebound came after three consecutive sessions of losses, driven by broad-based bargain hunting. Buying pressure intensified throughout the day, leading to widespread price appreciation across sectors.

Sector-wise, pharmaceuticals dominated turnover at 16.4%, followed by engineering and textile sectors at 11.3% each. Top turnover leaders included Orion Infusion, Summit Alliance Port, Khan Brothers PP Woven Bag, Acme Pesticides, and City Bank, highlighting diversified participation.

All major sectors posted gains, with mutual funds leading at 4.9%, services up 3.6%, and general insurance rising 3.1%. Silva Pharma topped the gainers' list with a 10% rise, followed by Bangladesh National Insurance and Apex Spinning. Several mutual funds, including EBL NRB Mutual Fund and First Bangladesh Fixed Income Fund, were also among the top performers.

The financial sector, however, faced some pressure, with Peoples Leasing, Fareast Finance, and International Leasing among the top losers.

The positive trend was mirrored at the Chittagong Stock Exchange, where the CSCX index rose 118 points to 9,021, and the CASPI index gained 200 points to 14,779, with turnover at Tk42.51 crore.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission has approved the issuance of an Orange bond, the first of its kind in the country, by SAJIDA Foundation to raise Tk 158.5 crore to finance women’s economic empowerment and accelerate progress towards gender equality.

The zero-coupon bond, a debt instrument that pays no interest but is sold at a deep discount, marks a major milestone in Bangladesh’s capital market evolution, said a press release from BRAC EPL Investments Ltd.

SAJIDA Foundation partnered with BRAC EPL Investments Ltd and Impact Investment Exchange (IIX), the Singapore-based global impact investing platform, to issue the Orange bond, a specialised investment tool designed to raise money specifically for empowering women, girls, and gender minorities while tackling climate change.

Some 48 percent of the proceeds will be allocated to food security and agriculture, 32 percent to women-led SMEs, and 20 percent will be used for climate-resilient housing across 36 districts
“The pioneering bond supports the transition toward more inclusive, resilient, and capital market-driven development finance solutions, and contributes to broader efforts to develop the impact investment ecosystem in Bangladesh,” said the press release.

BRAC EPL Investments Ltd said Bangladesh’s bond market has long been dominated by government securities and bank subordinated debt.

This transaction breaks that mould by introducing thematic, impact-linked fixed income as a new asset class.

The bond offers investors tax-exempt financial returns while enabling measurable social impact, particularly in supporting women and women-led businesses.

Some 48 percent of the proceeds will be allocated to food security and agriculture, 32 percent to women-led SMEs, and 20 percent will be used for climate-resilient housing across 36 districts.

“Impact will be tracked through independently verified annual reports aligned with international standards, ensuring transparency and tangible benefits for women’s economic empowerment.”

Major blue-chip stocks, typically seen as market anchors, led March's decline, with BRAC Bank and British American Tobacco Bangladesh among the hardest hit as global uncertainty weighed on Bangladesh's market.

According to "Monthly Market Wrap: March 2026", published by Sheltech Brokerage Limited, both blue-chip and mid-cap stocks dominated the list of top decliners. BRAC Bank posted the steepest fall, dropping 23.43% month-on-month to close at Tk67, while BAT Bangladesh lost 19.35% to Tk221.30.

Other major laggards included Rahima Food Corporation, Pragati Life Insurance, Saiham Textile Mills, IFIC Bank, Sonargaon Textiles, Dulamia Cotton Spinning Mills, Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, and Beximco Pharmaceuticals – each recording double-digit losses over the period.

The report attributed the broad downturn to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which triggered widespread selling. Investor sentiment weakened sharply on fears of energy supply disruptions and rising inflation – key concerns for Bangladesh's import-dependent economy.

The benchmark DSEX index fell 7.53% during the month, shedding 421.95 points to close at 5,178.31. Market activity also declined significantly, with average daily turnover dropping 24.12% month-on-month to around Tk 600 crore, reflecting heightened risk aversion.

Volatility remained high throughout March. Early sessions were marked by panic selling, dragging the index down by more than 591 points cumulatively. One of the sharpest declines came in a single session, when the index plunged 208.98 points – the steepest one-day fall since 2020 – following an escalation in the Middle East conflict.

Although the market saw a brief mid-month rebound driven by bargain hunting, the recovery proved short-lived. Analysts said the absence of any clear de-escalation signals in global tensions discouraged sustained buying, leading to renewed selling pressure in the latter half.

Sectoral performance indicated widespread weakness, with most major industries posting negative returns. Food and allied, banking, and financial institutions were among the worst performers, reflecting both macroeconomic stress and eroding investor confidence.

Analysts warned that the sharp decline in blue-chip stocks is particularly concerning, as these are typically viewed as stable investments. Their fall signals deeper market uncertainty and growing investor caution, even toward fundamentally strong companies.

They added that the market's near-term trajectory will depend largely on global developments, especially in energy markets, as well as domestic economic stability. Until clearer signals emerge, trading is likely to remain subdued, with volatility elevated

Weak, Z-category companies dominated the top gainers' list on the Dhaka Stock Exchange throughout March, according to a monthly report by Sheltech Brokerage Limited, raising fresh concerns about market trends.

Analysis of the report shows that share prices of these companies surged sharply without any corresponding improvement in fundamentals, earnings, or price-sensitive disclosures – indicating that the rally was largely driven by speculative demand rather than actual financial performance.

Analysts warn that such trends can distort the market's natural price discovery mechanism and pose risks to long-term stability.

Market insiders said the surge was mainly fuelled by short-term investors seeking quick gains. They channelled funds into low-priced, high-risk stocks, artificially boosting demand and pushing up prices.

The trend was further amplified by speculative trading, where investment decisions were driven by rumours, market trends, and herd behaviour instead of company fundamentals.

Despite ongoing global economic uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict, a segment of investors shifted toward riskier stocks. Weak, closed, and Z-category companies, in particular, attracted heightened interest, as their low prices create the perception of higher return potential with limited capital – appealing especially to retail investors.

ILFSL topped the gainers' list, with its share price doubling by 100% to Tk3.20 during the month. Premier Leasing rose 83.33%, while PLFSL and Fareast Finance gained 76.47% each. FAS Finance advanced 70.59%, and HFL climbed 67.57%.

Other notable performers included Familytex, which rose 54.55%, IFIC First Mutual Fund, which gained 40%, Atlas Bangladesh, up 37.39%, and Peoples Leasing, which increased 34.09%.

Alongside the price surge, trading activity in these stocks also increased significantly. Familytex recorded a 611.99% jump in average turnover, while HFL and Atlas Bangladesh saw increases of 555.51% and 363.23%, respectively – reflecting strong speculative interest in low-priced shares.

Experts have urged regulators to strengthen market surveillance and advised investors to remain cautious. Instead of chasing short-term gains, they recommend focusing on company fundamentals, earnings quality, and long-term prospects when making investment decisions

Bangladesh's stock market has lost around Tk29,531 crore in value amid a bearish trend since the start of the US-Israel war on Iran, as persistent sell-offs driven by fears of a prolonged conflict weigh heavily on investor sentiment, according to data from the Dhaka Stock Exchange.

Equities – shares of listed companies – have borne the brunt of the downturn since the war began on 28 February, with their value falling by Tk27,176 crore, while the value of debt securities, including treasury bonds and corporate bonds, dropped by Tk2,468 crore, according to the DSE data.

Market capitalisation, which reflects the total value of all listed companies' outstanding shares, stood at Tk6.88 lakh crore as of today (31 March), comprising Tk3.34 lakh crore in equities and Tk3.52 lakh crore in debt securities.

Before the conflict, on 26 February, total market capitalisation was Tk7.18 lakh crore, with Tk3.61 lakh crore in equities and Tk3.54 lakh crore in debt instruments.

The benchmark DSEX index dropped by a net 421 points over the past month, as most trading sessions closed in the red amid sustained selling pressure. Out of 17 trading days since the conflict began, the market declined on 10 days and rose on only seven.

During these sessions, the DSEX fell by a cumulative 919 points, recovered 498 points, and ended at 5,178 points – reflecting an overall net loss of 421 points.

Fundamentally strong stocks, including BRAC Bank, Islami Bank, BAT Bangladesh, Square Pharmaceuticals, Walton, Pubali Bank, City Bank, Prime Bank, and Eastern Bank, were among the biggest contributors to the index's decline, according to market data.

Market insiders and investors said the bourse had already been sluggish ahead of the election due to concerns over political instability, with expectations of a recovery after the new government took office.

However, the outbreak of the Iran war within days of the new administration assuming power triggered fresh volatility, which continues to persist.

According to market insiders, the war has already started to impact the country's economy, particularly through disruptions to fuel imports, raising concerns over supply. There are also fears of potential interruptions in raw material imports.

If fuel supply and raw material flows do not stabilise, the business performance of listed companies could be adversely affected, prompting investors in the capital market to adopt a cautious stance.

Md Akramul Alam, head of research at Royal Capital, said the oil shock triggered by the Iran-US war is influencing the pace of the country's economic recovery, which is ultimately expected to be reflected in the sluggish stock market.

"The inflationary pressures will erode the production and profitability of publicly traded companies, which signals lower valuations as a result. But some investors may love to win a bet on stocks at a huge discount," he said.

"The market is expected to rebound after this storm ends," he added.

Muhammad Nazrul Islam, MD & CEO of Sandhani Life Finance, told TBS, "Although there were expectations that the market would see a positive impact after the new government took office, the Iran war has created another layer of uncertainty in the market.

"The effects of the war have already started to impact the country's economy, particularly creating concerns over fuel supply. Investors are now closely watching how the Iran war situation unfolds."

Volatility and falling turnover

Sheltech Brokerage, in its March market commentary, said the Middle East conflict triggered broad-based selling.

"DSEX declined by 7.53%, or 421.95 points, on a month-to-month basis, while average daily turnover fell by 24.12% to Tk600 crore, reflecting subdued market participation amid investors' heightened risk aversion due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which raised concerns over potential energy supply disruptions and their broader macroeconomic implications," it said.

"The market experienced extreme volatility during the period, with an initial phase of broad-based panic selling leading to a cumulative decline of over 591.27 points, including a single-day steepest drop of 208.98 points since 2020, following the onset of the Middle East conflict.

"While a brief recovery supported by bargain hunting was witnessed in the middle of the month, the absence of any tangible de-escalation sign limited follow-through buying and triggered renewed selling pressure into the latter part of the period," it added.

Looking ahead, the brokerage firm said market direction is likely to remain sensitive to geopolitical developments, particularly their impact on energy prices and domestic macroeconomic stability.

Regional markets also slide

Peer markets across the region also recorded sharp declines in March following the start of the Iran war.

Indonesia's IDX Composite index posted the steepest fall at 14.41%, followed by India's Sensex at 11.49%, Pakistan's KSE-100 at 11.38%, Sri Lanka's ASPI at 11.24%, Vietnam's VN-Index at 10.95%, Thailand's SET index at 5.24%, and Malaysia's market at 1.53%, according to an analysis by Sheltech Brokerage.

Despite the losses, the firm noted that Bangladesh's DSEX showed relative resilience, with a comparatively smaller decline of 7.53% amid the geopolitical shock.

Foreign investors have continued withdrawing funds from Bangladesh's equity market over the past nine months through February this year amid persistent geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic uncertainties.

Political stability following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's landslide victory in the February polls has failed to attract foreign investment, as intensifying conflict in the Middle East poses fresh economic challenges.

Md Akramul Alam, head of research at Royal Capital, said overall economic activity remained sluggish amid continued uncertainty, while the profitability of major listed companies stayed subdued due to high input costs.

"Persistent macroeconomic uncertainties and ongoing geopolitical tensions discouraged overseas investors from making fresh investments in stocks," he said.

Moreover, private sector credit growth fell to a historic low of 6.03 per cent in January, reflecting weak business confidence and tighter lending conditions, he added.

The ongoing US-Israel war involving Iran has already triggered volatility in global oil and gas prices, raising concerns about inflation and broader economic spillovers in Bangladesh.

"This has dampened the prospect of a sharp recovery in private sector credit demand and the much-needed spike in fresh investment," Mr Alam noted.

He also cited a confidence crisis, a high-value dollar against the local currency, and vulnerabilities in the banking sector as key deterrents to foreign investment.

Foreign investors typically seek a stable, predictable, and long-term policy environment under an elected government to ensure the safety of their investments with good returns.

The newly elected government has yet to outline a clear economic roadmap, while the intensifying Middle East conflict has added to global economic tension.

Ahsanur Rahman, chief executive officer of BRAC EPL Stock Brokerage, said foreign investors are seeking greater clarity. "They want more information and explanations," he told The Financial Express in a recent interview.

A limited number of investable securities and frequent policy changes have also discouraged foreigners from keeping funds in the Bangladesh equity market. The market has not seen any new listings for more than two years.

The impact on stocks is palpable. Foreign investors purchased shares worth Tk 18.25 billion in 2025 against sell-offs of Tk 20.95 billion; outflow outweighed inflow, according to data from the Dhaka Stock Exchange.

When it comes to investing in stocks in Bangladesh, foreigners usually prefer multinational companies. Currently, they are not interested in putting their money into these companies either, owing to lower-than-expected earnings in recent quarters.

Most multinational companies saw their profits decline in the nine months through September 2025 compared to the same period last year, largely due to high finance costs amid political uncertainty.

Grameenphone, the largest stock in terms of market capitalisation, reported its lowest annual profit of Tk 29.6 billion in 2025 in eight years, largely driven by cost pressures and a high tax burden.

What is more, GP projected a year-on-year decline in its financial performance for the first quarter of 2026, citing mounting pressures from global geopolitical tensions and domestic economic challenges.

Subsequently, foreign stakes in GP fell to 0.60 per cent in February this year from 0.98 per cent in June last year.

British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh's profit also nosedived to Tk 5.84 billion in 2025, the lowest since its listing, due to lower sales, higher excise duty, and one-off costs for the Dhaka factory closure.

As a result, BAT's foreign stake dropped from 3.43 per cent to 3.24 per cent between June last year and February this year.

Olympic Industries experienced a similar trend. Its foreign stake fell to 30.26 per cent in February this year from 34.21 per cent in June last year.

Foreign shareholding in DBH Finance also dropped from 3.73 per cent to 0.44 per cent in the nine months through February this year.

However, BRAC Bank experienced a rise in foreign stakes from 33.80 per cent to 36.72 per cent during the period, while it reported record profits.

BRAC Bank's consolidated profit stood at Tk 15.36 billion for January-September 2025, surpassing its previous year's record annual profit.

Along with the record profit, BRAC Bank provided capital-gain opportunities in the secondary market, as its stock surged 78 per cent between June last year and February this year.

According to Akramul Alam, foreign investors are concerned about the high value of the dollar against the local currency.

Although the foreign exchange market has stabilised in recent months due to higher dollar inflows, supported by strong remittance and export earnings, the taka-dollar exchange rate remains as high as before.

"When the local currency weakens, foreign investors incur losses as the value of their assets falls even when share prices remain unchanged," Mr Alam said.

He also noted that many global fund managers have, in the meantime, rebalanced their portfolios, while others have shifted to gold to secure their investments instead of investing in equities.

"Foreign investors are closely monitoring Bangladesh. Portfolio investment may pick up again if geopolitical tensions ease," he added.

Dhaka Stock Exchange witnessed a second consecutive session of losses today (30 March) as persistent sell-offs, fueled by rising US-Israeli tensions over Iran, dragged the benchmark index down. The DSEX fell 41 points to close at 5,230.

Despite declining prices for 59% of listed stocks, turnover slightly increased by 2.69% to Tk663.87 crore, according to DSE data. The other key indices also ended lower, with the DSES down 5 points to 1,061 and the blue-chip DS30 falling 19 points to 1,979.

Among traded stocks, 111 advanced, 231 declined, and 51 remained unchanged.

Trading opened on a positive note at 10 am but lasted only seven minutes before selling pressure gripped the market, pushing indices into the red. Selling intensified in the latter part of the session, keeping stocks under pressure throughout the day.

EBL Securities said in its daily report that investor sentiment remained cautious amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and a nationwide fuel shortage.

"The market continued its losing streak for the second consecutive session, as investors shifted focus from large-cap stocks to momentum-driven speculative scrips," the report said. "Despite a firm start, broad-based selling emerged midway through the session, intensifying toward the close and dragging the index lower."

On the sectoral front, Pharma stocks accounted for the highest share of turnover at 18.2%, followed by Engineering at 11.7% and Banks at 9.7%.

Among gainers, Hakkani Pulp and Paper led with a 9.92% rise to Tk88.6, followed by Intech Ltd with a 9.41% gain to Tk43 and IFIC First Mutual Fund up 7.69% to Tk4.2.

Prime Finance was the top loser, slipping 9.25% to Tk4.9, followed by FAS Finance down 8.57% to Tk3.2 and Fareast Finance falling 8.33% to Tk3.3.

The port city bourse, Chittagong Stock Exchange, also ended in negative territory. Its CSCX and CASPI fell by 7.1 points and 17.7 points, respectively

The securities regulator has approved a proposal from non-listed Akij Food & Beverage Ltd to raise Tk 5 billion by issuing zero-coupon bonds, a move that reflects the growing reliance of large corporations on alternative financing instruments.Financial literacy course

According to the regulatory approval, the bond will be unsecured, non-convertible, and fully redeemable. Unlike conventional bonds, this instrument does not offer periodic interest payments. Instead, the bond is issued at a discounted price and redeemed at full face value upon maturity, allowing investors to earn a fixed return.

The approval came at a meeting of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) last week, presided over by its Chairman Khondoker Rashed Maqsood.

The tenure of the bond will range from six months to 60 months, providing flexibility for investors with varying investment horizons.

The bond units will be issued through private placement to banks, non-bank financial institutions, insurance companies, institutional investors, and high net-worth individuals. Each unit will carry a face value of Tk 1 million, effectively limiting participation to large-scale investors.

Sena Insurance has been appointed trustee, responsible for safeguarding investors' interests and ensuring regulatory compliance, while North Star Investments (BD) will act as the fund manager.Bangladesh market analysis

Market insiders said amid tighter banking liquidity and relatively high borrowing costs, corporations are actively diversifying funding sources. Structured instruments such as zero-coupon bonds allow issuers to better align repayment obligations with long-term revenue generation.

The proceeds from the issuance are expected to support the company's expansion and operational financing needs, although detailed utilisation plans were not disclosed. This would be a cost-efficient way to fund expansion without immediate interest servicing burdens.

Founded in 2006, Akij Food & Beverage has grown into one of the country's leading beverage manufacturers. Its portfolio includes several well-known brands such as Mojo, Frutika, and Speed, which enjoy a strong market presence across segments.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission has approved the issuance of an Orange bond, the first of its kind in the country, by SAJIDA Foundation to raise Tk 158.5 crore to finance women's economic empowerment and accelerate progress towards gender equality.

The zero-coupon bond, a debt that pays no interest but is sold at a deep discount, marks a major milestone in Bangladesh’s capital market evolution, said a press release by BRAC EPL Investments Ltd.

SAJIDA Foundation partnered with BRAC EPL Investments Ltd and Impact Investment Exchange (IIX), the Singapore-based global impact investing platform, to issue the Orange bond, a specialised investment tool designed to raise money specifically for empowering women, girls, and gender minorities while tackling climate change.

“The pioneering bond supports the transition toward more inclusive, resilient, and capital market-driven development finance solutions, and contributes to broader efforts to develop the impact investment ecosystem in Bangladesh,” said the press release.

BRAC EPL Investments Ltd said Bangladesh’s bond market has long been dominated by government securities and bank subordinated debt. This transaction breaks that mould by introducing thematic, impact-linked fixed income as a new asset class.

The bond offers investors tax-exempt financial returns while enabling measurable social impact, particularly in supporting women and women-led businesses.

Some 48 percent of the proceeds will be allocated to food security and agriculture, 32 percent to women-led SMEs, and 20 percent will be used for climate-resilient housing across 36 districts.

“Impact will be tracked through independently verified annual reports aligned with international standards, ensuring transparency and tangible benefits for women’s economic empowerment.”

Yields on treasury bills showed a mixed trend on Sunday as banks channelled excess liquidity into short-term government securities, reflecting subdued private sector credit demand and cautious market sentiment.

The shift in investment preference comes amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and slowing credit growth, prompting banks to favour safer, shorter-tenure instruments over longer-term exposure.

The cut-off yield, generally known as the interest rate, on 91-day T-bills fell to 9.78 per cent from 9.89 per cent earlier, while the yield on 182-day T-bills declined to 9.97 per cent from 10.00 per cent.

On the other hand, the yield on 364-day T-bills remained unchanged at 10.00 per cent, according to the auction results.

On the day, the government raised Tk 82.50 billion by issuing three types of T-bills to partially finance its budget deficit.

"Most banks preferred to invest their excess liquidity in risk-free government securities due to lower private sector credit demand amid ongoing geopolitical tensions," a senior official of the Bangladesh Bank (BB) told The Financial Express (FE).

Meanwhile, private sector credit growth fell to 6.03 per cent year-on-year in January 2026 from 6.10 per cent a month earlier, according to the central bank's latest figures.

"Banks deposited Tk 115 billion with the central bank under the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) on Sunday to manage their funds efficiently," the official said, explaining the liquidity situation in the market.

He also predicted that the current trend in yields on government securities may continue in the coming weeks.

Currently, four T-bills are traded through auctions to manage government borrowings from the banking system. These instruments have maturities of 14 days, 91 days, 182 days and 364 days.

In addition, five government bonds with tenures of two, five, 10, 15 and 20 years are traded in the market.

Stocks at the Dhaka bourse declined further today (29 March) as investor sentiment weakened amid the escalating US-Israeli war on Iran.

Since the war began on 28 February, most trading sessions have witnessed sell-offs, dragging down share prices and overall market capitalisation, although a brief rebound was recorded in the first session after the Eid holiday on 25 March when the benchmark index gained 31 points.

Yesterday, the DSEX, the benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange, fell by 44 points to close at 5,272, as investors adopted a cautious stance, leading to declines in 63% of traded stocks.

Besides that, DSES, the Shariah index declined 7 points to 1,066, and DS30, the blue-chip index, fell 21 points to 1,998.

Despite cautious sentiment in the market, turnover on the DSE surged 7% to Tk646 crore, while market capitalisation – the total value of companies' outstanding shares – dropped by Tk3,268 crore to Tk6.95 lakh crore.

Of the traded stocks, 114 advanced, 250 declined and 30 remained unchanged.

EBL Securities, in its daily market commentary, said the capital bourse failed to extend the recovery momentum as investors continued their cautious stance amid lingering uncertainties stemming from the Middle East conflict, triggering a broad-based sell-off across the trading board.

"The market opened on a dismal note as selling pressure remained predominant from the opening bell. Despite an attempt for partial recovery from the initial plunge, the market largely remained under sustained downward pressure throughout the session, with most scrips closing in negative territory," it said.

On the sectoral front, the Pharmaceutical and the Chemical sectors issues exerted the highest by 17.6% in total turnover, followed by the Engineering sector 12.9% and the Bank 9.9%.

Sectors displayed mixed returns, out of which the Paper, the Ceramic and the Mutual Fund exhibited the most positive returns on the bourse.

Bangladesh Autocars topped the gainer chart with its share price surging by 6.91% to Tk185.1 each, followed by BD Thai Foods by 9.30% to Tk18.8 each, PHP Mutual Fund One by 9.09% to Tk3.6 each, Techno Drugs by 8.91% to Tk33 each and IFIC First Mutual Fund by 8.33% to Tk3.9 each.

While on the loser list, Prime Textile was at the top as its share price fell 6.86% to Tk19 each, followed by Sea Pearl Beach Resorts by 5.14% to Tk38.7 each, Orion Infusion by 4.61% to Tk343 each, ICB Agrani First Mutual Fund by 4.34% to Tk6.6 each, and Phoenix Finance by 4.25% to Tk4.5 each.

The port city bourse, Chittagong Stock Exchange, also settled in a negative zone. The Selective Categories' Index (CSCX) and All Share Price Index (CASPI) lost 165.4 points and 245.9 points, respectively.

Struggling Z-category companies, especially leasing firms and a few manufacturing entities, led the top gainers' chart on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) during the first trading week after Eid, which saw only two sessions.

Market insiders said the sharp rises were largely driven by short-term investor interest and speculative trading. Despite ongoing economic uncertainty stemming from the Middle East conflict, some investors showed renewed appetite for weak, closed, and Z-category stocks.

A weekly market review showed that International Leasing & Financial Services, Peoples Leasing & Financial Services, FAS Finance & Investment, and Fareast Finance & Investment each posted a 50% gain. However, their share prices remained low, between Tk3.30 and Tk3.60.

Analysts noted that these financial institutions have long faced losses, high non-performing loans, and capital shortages. "The price spikes do not reflect any improvement in fundamentals but rather a tendency among investors to chase quick gains in low-priced stocks," one observer said.

Premier Leasing & Finance also rose sharply, climbing 42.31% to close at Tk3.70. Analysts believe the simultaneous gains across multiple companies in the same sector point to coordinated buying pressure.

Outside the financial sector, two Z-category textile and manufacturing firms featured among the gainers. Familytex (BD) advanced 27.59%, while HR Textile rose 25% to Tk22. In the food and consumer segment, Meghna Condensed Milk gained 23.61% to Tk35.60, and Meghna PET Industries increased 22.92% to Tk29.50. Prime Finance & Investment climbed 17.39% to Tk5.40, though its rise was also attributed to short-term trading trends rather than any fundamental improvement.

Market analysts said the dominance of financially weak companies reflects structural weaknesses. "When fundamentally weak companies top the gainers' chart, it indicates that investor confidence has not yet fully shifted toward strong, fundamentally sound stocks," one analyst noted.

Meanwhile, the broader market showed signs of recovery. After suffering the steepest single-day fall in six years early in the week, the market rebounded as investors returned to buy stocks at lower prices.

Gradual easing of concerns over the Middle East conflict and domestic fuel supply, coupled with improving investor sentiment, contributed to rising buying pressure and helped market indices recover by week's end

Stocks rebounded today (25 March) at the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), with the benchmark index recovering from the previous session's sharp decline as late-session buying revived investor interest despite lingering global uncertainties.

The benchmark DSEX index gained 31 points, or 0.59%, to close at 5,316, reversing part of Tuesday's (24 March) losses.

The blue-chip DS30 index also edged higher, rising 8 points or 0.41% to settle at 2,019. Market breadth turned positive, with 241 issues advancing against 102 decliners, while 47 stocks remained unchanged.

Turnover on the premier bourse rose significantly, increasing by 23% to Tk604 crore, indicating improved participation compared to the previous session.

However, market sentiment remained cautious as investors continued to weigh the implications of the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Market analysts believe that while the day's recovery is a positive signal, the overall outlook remains uncertain.

Continued volatility in global energy markets and geopolitical developments are likely to keep investors cautious in the near term, with market direction depending on both external factors and domestic economic stability.

According to EBL Securities, the market regained some recovery momentum following the earlier selloff, supported by bargain hunting in the final trading hour.

For most of the session, indices moved sideways as both buyers and sellers remained active, reflecting uncertainty among investors.

The brokerage noted that renewed buying interest toward the close helped drive a broad-based price recovery.

Several heavyweight stocks played a key role in pulling the indices upward. Major contributors included BRAC Bank, Square Pharmaceuticals, British American Tobacco Bangladesh, Pubali Bank PLC, and Eastern Bank PLC.

On the sectoral front, engineering stocks dominated trading activity, accounting for 13.6% of total turnover, followed by pharmaceuticals at 12.7% and banking at 11.1%. Among individual stocks, ACME Pesticides Limited led the turnover chart, alongside Orion Infusion Limited, Sunlife Insurance Company Limited, and Lovello Ice-cream PLC.

Most sectors posted gains during the session, reflecting a broad-based recovery.

Mutual funds emerged as the top-performing sector with a 3.7% return, followed by general insurance at 3.1% and life insurance at 2.8%.

However, some sectors remained under pressure, with services declining by 1.0%, telecommunications by 0.7%, and cement by 0.2%.

Top gainers of the day included several mutual funds and manufacturing companies, while losses were concentrated among textile and smaller-cap stocks, indicating selective profit-taking in certain segments.

Meanwhile, the Chittagong Stock Exchange presented a mixed picture.

The CSCX index fell by 16 points to 9,101, while the CASPI index declined by 39 points to 14,914. However, turnover at the port city bourse increased by 6% to Tk20 crore.

Persistent delays in claim settlements by major general insurers are eroding public confidence in Bangladesh's insurance sector, as official data show insurers paid just 9.37% of total claims in the final quarter of 2025.

Data from the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA) show general insurers settled only Tk372 crore out of claims worth Tk3,971 crore filed between October and December 2025.

Industry analysts said the massive backlog highlights deep structural weaknesses, including limited financial capacity, poor liquidity management and operational inefficiencies.

Sadharan Bima settles just 3.41%

Among the largest insurers, the state-owned Sadharan Bima Corporation recorded the highest volume of pending claims. During the quarter, it faced claims totalling Tk2,264 crore but settled only Tk77 crore, representing just 3.41% of the total. As a result, Tk2,187 crore remained unsettled.

A senior official of the corporation, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the organisation is trying to resolve claims but faces structural obstacles that slow the process.

He said roughly 80% of delays occur because survey reports – crucial documents used to assess damage after accidents or disasters – are often submitted late.

The problem is particularly severe for reinsurance-related claims. In some cases, survey reports take five to seven years to arrive, making it impossible to complete final settlements, he said.

"Without these reports, the corporation cannot settle claims with foreign reinsurers, which in turn delays compensation for policyholders," the official added.

He warned that unless the survey system becomes faster and more efficient, the settlement crisis will persist across the general insurance industry.

Private insurers also lag

During the October-December quarter, Green Delta Insurance settled only Tk13 crore out of Tk342 crore in claims, leaving around Tk330 crore unresolved. Its settlement rate stood at just 3.67%.

Despite the low settlement ratio, the company declared a 27% cash dividend for shareholders in 2025, drawing criticism from policyholders who said firms prioritise shareholder returns over client payments.

Reliance Insurance faced similar criticism. It settled Tk20.41 crore out of Tk161 crore in claims during the quarter, leaving Tk141 crore pending, yet approved a 30% cash dividend.

Other insurers also showed weak performance. Pragati Insurance had Tk200 crore in claims but resolved only Tk17 crore, while Peoples Insurance settled just Tk0.52 crore out of Tk89 crore. Northern Islami Insurance paid Tk1.7 crore against claims worth Tk70.92 crore.

A senior official of Green Delta told TBS that delays often occur because policyholders fail to submit complete documentation. Many file claims on time but do not provide proof of loss, police or fire service reports, survey assessments, ownership papers or invoices.

Incomplete or incorrect paperwork complicates verification and can delay settlements for months, he said, adding that disputes over claim amounts are another factor.

"When policyholders demand compensation exceeding the insurer's assessed loss, disagreements often lead to arbitration or legal proceedings, prolonging the process," he added.

Claims involving uninsured risks also create complications, he said. In some cases, policyholders file for losses not covered under policies, including damages from political unrest, certain natural disasters or gradual asset deterioration.

"Such cases require reassessment and explanation, which extends settlement timelines," he explained.

Weak enforcement, lack of accountability

Experts said documentation issues alone cannot explain the scale of the problem. They argued that weak regulatory enforcement and a lack of accountability allow insurers to delay payments with little consequence.

The IDRA has faced criticism from industry observers and consumer groups for failing to take strong action against companies that consistently postpone settlements.

The delays are particularly damaging in the non-life sector, where timely compensation is critical for businesses and individuals recovering from accidents, fires or natural disasters. When claims remain unpaid for months or years, policyholders are often forced to absorb losses, causing severe financial stress.

By law, insurers must settle valid claims within 90 days. In practice, industry sources said this rule is frequently ignored.

Role of reinsurance provider

Another structural factor behind the delays is the role of the state-owned reinsurer, Sadharan Bima Corporation. Under current rules, general insurers must reinsure 50% of their risk exposure with the corporation, while the remainder can be transferred to foreign reinsurers.

Industry insiders said delays by the state reinsurer in settling its share often prevent primary insurers from paying policyholders on time, trapping the process in a complex chain involving surveyors, insurers, reinsurers and regulators.

Akij Food & Beverage Ltd secured approval from the capital market regulatory body to raise Tk 500 crore through issuing bonds, aiming to strengthen its financing base.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) gave the approval yesterday at a commission meeting at its office in the capital.

According to an official BSEC press release, the company will raise the fund through floating an unsecured, non-convertible, fully redeemable zero-coupon bond with a tenure ranging from six months to a maximum of five years.

A zero-coupon bond is a debt instrument that does not pay interim coupons but instead trades at a deep discount, rendering profit at maturity, when the security is redeemed for its full face value.

The bond will be issued to banks, non-bank financial institutions, insurance companies, institutional investors, and high-net-worth individuals through private placement. Each unit of the bond will carry a face value of Tk 10 lakh.

Sena Insurance PLC will act as the trustee for the bond, while North Star Investments (BD) Limited has been appointed as the fund arranger.

According to the company’s website, Akij Food started its journey in 2006. It exports its products to over 40 countries in Asia and Africa. The company holds several popular brands including Mojo, Frutika, and Speed.