Tk1lakh cr gone from stock market MP alleges in JS

Independent MP Rumeen Farhana on Thursday told Parliament that more than Tk1 lakh crore has been allegedly siphoned off from Bangladesh’s stock market over the past 15 years, describing it as a systematic plunder of ordinary investors’ savings that has largely gone unpunished.

She made the remarks while proposing that the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Amendment
Bill 2026 be sent for public opinion, the only such proposal moved before the bill was passed by voice vote in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad.

According to Farhana, the funds belonged to small investors but were “looted by a particular group,” adding that despite findings referenced in a white paper, those responsible have not been held accountable.

She also recalled the major stock market crashes of 1996 and 2010, which she said devastated retail investors.

She called for the appointment of competent officials to the BSEC and stressed the need to restore public trust in the capital market amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

MP Shahjahan Chowdhury also criticised the bill, saying the proposed penalties—five years’ imprisonment and a Tk5 lakh fine—were too weak compared to the scale of financial crimes in the sector.

He also opposed removing the age limit of 65 years for BSEC members and moved to send the bill for public scrutiny, though the proposal was not accepted.

Despite criticism from lawmakers over penalties, governance, and oversight, the BSEC Amendment Bill 2026 was passed by voice vote in Parliament.