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Thursday | February 05, 2026 | Dhaka

DSE aims reforms to curb market irregularities

Nearly 50 per cent irregularities happened in the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) could have been prevented with stronger surveillance and enhanced research capabilities, said Mominul Islam, Chairman of the DSE, in an interview with The New Nation's Muhammad Ayub Ali.

What should be prioritised to stabilise the capital market?
The stability of the capital market largely depends on investor confidence. However, this confidence is not solely influenced by the activities of the DSE or the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC). It is also shaped by the overall macroeconomic and political conditions.

If the economy remains robust and listed companies perform well, this will inevitably have a positive impact on the capital market.

What initiatives is the DSE taking to restore investor confidence?
Currently, we are focused on reforms and confidence-building measures. These include strengthening institutional capacity, ensuring accountability and transparency, improving service delivery, and enhancing surveillance mechanisms.

By building a strong and skilled research team, we could prevent nearly 50 per cent of irregularities before they occur. Additionally, we aim to hold listed companies and market intermediaries accountable for their actions. The culture of impunity has allowed many irregularities to persist, but we are committed to ensuring that offenders are punished for the benefit of the market and its investors.

Why hasn’t the DSE been able to identify and act swiftly against market manipulation?
Market manipulation is a global issue. However, unlike other countries that have implemented strong punitive measures, Bangladesh has yet to set a similar precedent.

Our ability to detect manipulators is hampered by limited manpower and the lack of a competent research and surveillance team. Although we manage to detect some instances of malpractice, immediate action is delayed due to BSEC regulations. These rules stipulate that the DSE cannot act against illegal activities by financial institutions or intermediaries without first notifying the regulatory body. This requirement is a significant impediment to swift action.

Are there initiatives to support new investors in the market?
Yes, we have plans to support newcomers to the capital market. For novice investors, we intend to provide training at the university level through online platforms. This will equip them with foundational knowledge, enabling them to make informed and safer investment decisions.

What is your message to investors?
I urge all investors to thoroughly understand the market before investing their savings. Observing market trends and gaining proper knowledge about investment options will ensure that their investments remain secure and sound.