B Mirror Report: Investor participation in Bangladesh’s capital market continued to strengthen in May, with the number of Beneficiary Owner (BO) accounts rising steadily amid signs of improving market confidence among local, foreign, and non-resident Bangladeshi investors.

According to the latest data from the Central Depository Bangladesh Limited (CDBL), the total number of BO accounts stood at 1,665,741 as of May 24, up from 1,661,123 at the end of April. This means 4,618 new BO accounts were added during the first 24 days of May.

As stock market operations were affected by the Eid-ul-Azha holidays after May 24, the figures reflect activity during 17 trading sessions in the month. On average, about 271 new BO accounts were opened each trading day.

The number of BO accounts held by foreign and non-resident Bangladeshi (NRB) investors also increased during the month. Such accounts rose to 43,228 by May 24 from 43,204 at the end of April, adding 24 accounts.

The increase marks a reversal from April, when foreign and NRB BO accounts declined by 26. Market observers see the latest growth as a positive sign of renewed interest from overseas investors.

However, the long-term trend remains below previous highs. Foreign and NRB BO accounts stood at 55,512 in October 2023 but fell to 43,101 by February 2025. Although recent figures indicate a modest recovery, the total remains 12,284 accounts lower than the October 2023 level.

Local investors continued to drive growth in market participation. The number of BO accounts held by domestic investors reached 1,604,258, compared with 1,599,738 at the end of April.

Since the beginning of 2026, local BO accounts have increased by 25,235, with 4,520 new accounts added in May alone.

Despite the recent growth, overall market participation remains below historical levels. At the beginning of 2024, total BO accounts stood at 1,773,551. The current figure is still 107,810 accounts lower than that level.

CDBL data showed increases in both male and female investor participation.

BO accounts held by male investors rose to 1,254,413, up by 20,670 since the end of 2025. Of this increase, 3,826 accounts were added in May.

Female investor BO accounts reached 393,073, an increase of 4,244 since the end of last year, including 718 new accounts during May.

Corporate participation also improved. Company BO accounts climbed to 18,255, compared with 17,803 at the end of 2025, reflecting an increase of 452 accounts this year and 74 accounts in May alone.

Both individual and joint BO accounts recorded growth. Individual accounts rose by 22,971 since the end of 2025 to 1,205,686, while joint accounts increased by 1,943 to 441,800.

Market participants believe the continued rise in BO accounts reflects improving investor sentiment as stability gradually returns to the stock market. They say the steady increase in new accounts suggests growing confidence among both retail and institutional investors, potentially supporting broader market activity in the coming months.