To make the country’s capital market sustainable and investment-friendly, accurate, impartial, and analytical reporting is essential. Such reporting enhances investor confidence and helps them make informed decisions.

Chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), Khondoker Rashed Maksud, emphasized this while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of a residential workshop held on Friday (September 26) in Rangamati.

The workshop, titled “Forensic Analysis of Financial Statements,” was organized by the Capital Market Journalists’ Forum (CMJF) for its members. The session was presided over by CMJF President Golam Samdani Bhuiyan and moderated by General Secretary Abu Ali. Asad Chowdhury, Managing Director of Expo Group, delivered a welcome speech.

The workshop was conducted by Mohammad Selim Kabir, Vice President and Chapter Director of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), Bangladesh Chapter, along with CFE Arif Mahmud.

Journalism’s Role in a Stable Capital Market

The BSEC Chairman noted that investors often gather information first from the media. Therefore, when journalists deliver accurate and fact-based news, investor confidence grows, market stability improves, and the path to capital formation becomes smoother.

He added that forensic analysis of financial reports is not only important for journalists, but also for investors, regulators, and the general public. “The true financial condition or possible irregularities of a company are not always visible at first glance,” he said.

“This training will equip journalists with deep analytical skills, making their reports more evidence-based, useful to the public, and effective in establishing transparency and accountability in the market,” Maksud further stated.

Call for Responsible Journalism

Addressing the journalists directly, he said, “Neutral journalism is not just about reporting facts; it is a form of social responsibility. Spreading unverified information or rumors can destabilize the market. Hence, every report must be balanced and research-oriented.”

Describing journalists as the “mirror” of the market, the BSEC Chairman stated, “The more impartial and analytical your reports are, the greater the trust of investors, and the stronger the market becomes.”

He also reiterated BSEC’s commitment to enhancing the skills and professionalism of journalists, saying:

“We have supported CMJF not only through journalism awards but also by involving them in fellowship programs. Although some objected to this, our intention is clear — to work closely with journalists in the long run so that they can reach higher standards. Ultimately, investors will benefit from this.”

He concluded by praising the workshop, stating that no capital market can be sustainable without transparency, accountability, and a data-driven reporting ecosystem.