Bangladesh launches 1st ‘orange bond’ through DSE electronic platform
Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) PLC and BRAC EPL Investments Limited today signed a landmark agreement to facilitate electronic subscription of the country’s first ‘Orange Bond’ through the capital market platform, marking a significant step in thematic and impact-based financing in Bangladesh.
The agreement was signed at the DSE office in the city to launch the “Sajida Orange Zero Coupon Bond”, the first private bond to be offered through the DSE Electronic Subscription System (ESS), said a press release.
Under the arrangement, eligible investors will be able to subscribe to the bond electronically from May 18 to May 23, 2026 through the DSE ESS platform, ensuring a transparent and streamlined investment process.
The thematic bond has been introduced with the objective of promoting inclusive finance and women’s empowerment by linking capital market investment with social impact initiatives.
The total face value of the zero-coupon bond stands at Tk 158.50 crore, of which Tk 75.73 crore will be offered through the DSE electronic subscription platform.
The bond will be available in three investment tenures – one year, two years and three years.
Senior officials attending the signing ceremony included DSE Managing Director Nuzhat Anwar, Sajida Foundation Deputy CEO Md. FazlulHoque and BRAC EPL Investments Limited CEO Syed RashedHussain.
Speaking at the event, Nuzhat Anwar stressed the importance of developing innovative and inclusive
financing mechanisms to harness the country’s
demographic potential.
She said instruments like the Orange Bond are opening new avenues for alternative financing in the capital market.
Syed RashedHussain said the Sajida Orange Bond would lay the foundation for an international-standard thematic bond market in Bangladesh by creating an impact investment platform for both local and foreign investors.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would encourage similar thematic bond issuances in the future and strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the global impact investment landscape.
Md. FazlulHoque described the Orange Zero Coupon Bond as an important initiative for women’s empowerment, noting that Sajida Foundation has been working for more than three decades to improve women’s employment opportunities and income generation through microfinance and development programmes.
He also said identify that the Orange Bond concept is designed to channel investments toward poverty reduction and socio-economic development, particularly initiatives benefiting women and underprivileged communities.
