A joint discussion was held between the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) to explore ways to develop Bangladesh’s capital market.

The meeting, held on September 16 at the DCCI office in Gulshan, focused on issues such as listing SME companies, increasing investor confidence, introducing new financial products, and promoting funding for startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). DSE Chairman Mominul Islam led the DSE delegation, while DCCI President Taskin Ahmed and board members represented DCCI.

In his remarks, Taskin Ahmed emphasized that businesses inherently involve risks and rewards, and companies raising capital from the stock market must ensure investor protection. He noted that Bangladesh’s market capitalization-to-GDP ratio remains below 20%, compared to over 40–50% in many peer economies. He stressed the importance of boosting SME participation in the capital market and outlined the need for both short- and long-term strategies, such as removing double taxation, product diversification, and improved financing access for SMEs. He also pointed out that despite over 200,000 companies registered with RJSC, only 360 are listed, and called for more government and multinational companies to go public. DSE Chairman Mominul Islam stated that although the capital market has not kept pace with economic growth, the current government has shown serious intent by appointing Dr. Anisuzzaman as a special assistant to oversee capital market affairs. This year’s budget included several favorable reforms such as reduced AIT on turnover, tax cuts for merchant banks, and increased corporate tax gaps between listed and non-listed firms. He acknowledged positive steps by BSEC, including resolving issues related to CC account interest and lowering BO account renewal fees. According to him, investor confidence is returning, and institutional investors are re-engaging in the market. He also sought DCCI’s collaboration in developing the bond market alongside equities.

The discussion highlighted efforts to digitize the IPO process and create a “green channel” to fast-track quality companies into the market. Both DSE and DCCI agreed to deepen future cooperation through an MoU and to hold two dedicated events for DCCI members—one on SME Board listings and another on the Alternative Trading Board (ATB). Speakers noted the crucial role of stock exchanges in economic development, especially in light of rising bank interest rates that make traditional borrowing more difficult. Given that SMEs make up about 75% of the private sector and represent 7.5 million enterprises nationwide, participants highlighted the enormous potential to mobilize investment through the capital market. The meeting was also attended by DCCI Senior Vice President Rajib H. Chowdhury, Vice President Md. Selim Solaiman, Acting Secretary General A.K.M. Asuduzzaman Patuwari, DSE Directors Major General Mohammad Kamruzzaman (Retd.), Syed Hammadul Karim, Md. Shakil Rizvi, and Acting Managing Director Mohammad Asadur Rahman, FCS, among other senior officials.