Capitec IBBL Shariah Unit Fund declares 6pc cash dividend
Staff Reporter:
Despite a challenging year for Bangladesh’s capital market, the Capitec IBBL Shariah Unit Fund has declared a 6% cash dividend for the financial year ended December 31, 2025, standing out as a rare performer in a largely subdued mutual fund sector.
Market analysts say the dividend is not only a financial achievement in the current market context but also reflects the fund manager’s commitment, confidence and responsibility toward investors.
Outperforming a weak market
The year 2025 was considered difficult for the country’s capital market, with falling indices and declining transactions. The mutual fund sector also faced pressure, with the total net asset value (NAV) of listed funds reportedly shrinking by around Tk 500 crore during the year.
Against this backdrop, the Capitec IBBL Shariah Unit Fund posted a 9.81% return in the year ended December 31, 2025. During the same period, the benchmark indices showed negative performance, with DSEX down by 6.76% and DSES by 14.10%, highlighting the fund’s relative resilience.
Improved financial indicators
A review of the fund’s 2025 financials shows notable improvements. Earnings per unit (EPU) stood at Tk 0.84, compared to a negative Tk 1.54 in the previous year.
Year-on-year, the fund’s NAV increased by 10.38% at market price and 4.95% at cost price, indicating recovery in both valuation and underlying assets.
Management view
A senior official of Capitec Asset Management Limited said the company’s chairman and sponsor, along with a skilled team, have been working diligently by applying modern and practical investment strategies. The official also emphasised strict compliance with all provisions of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (Mutual Fund) Rules.
Industry context
According to market reviews, 2025 was a particularly challenging year for mutual funds. The total NAV of listed mutual funds fell by about Tk 470 crore by the end of the year. The sector’s total NAV declined from around Tk 4,880 crore in 2024 to Tk 4,410 crore in 2025.
Even in this environment, Capitec Asset Management showed comparatively strong performance. In 2025, the NAV of its Capitec Grameen Bank Growth Fund rose by 11.4%, while many other funds experienced declines.
Market observers say such performances may help restore investor confidence in professionally managed mutual funds if consistency is maintained in the coming years.