B Mirror Report : The recently elected executive committee of the Bangladesh Merchant Bankers Association (BMBA) and the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) have pledged to collaborate in improving the nation’s capital market.

According to a news release, representatives from both organizations discussed strategic steps to fortify the market’s base during a courtesy meeting today at the BSEC premises in Agargaon.

BSEC Chairman Khondoker Rashed Maqsood stressed that issue management, underwriting, and portfolio management are the main duties of merchant banks in bringing quality companies to the market.

He noted that the recently gazetted and updated IPO rules have created significant opportunities to bring reputable and high-performing companies into the capital market.

The Chairman expressed BSEC’s positive attitude toward assisting the listing of quality firms and urged BMBA members and issue managers to take the lead in this initiative.

He stated that BSEC would provide all necessary support to ensure that the market attracts companies that inspire investor confidence.

The discussion also focused on the need for merchant banks to enhance their capabilities in capital formation, portfolio management, and corporate advisory services.

Khondoker Rashed Maqsood highlighted that improvements in the efficiency, capacity, and ethics of merchant banks would naturally make the capital market more attractive to investors and other stakeholders.

BSEC Commissioner Farzana Lalarukh addressed the importance of digital transparency, suggesting that every merchant bank and their association should maintain informative web pages and web portals.

She pointed out that in order to raise investor awareness and better equip them to engage in the market, it is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information via these platforms.

Executive directors and other top officials were present, as were BSEC Commissioners Md. Mohsin Chowdhury, Md. Ali Akbar, Farzana Lalarukh, and Md. Saifuddin.

General Secretary Sumit Poddar, Vice President Md. Monirul Haque, Treasurer Syed Rashed Hussain, and executive members Gazi Mohammad Tareq, Suman Kumar Kundu, and Md. Sohel Haque comprised the BMBA delegation, which was headed by its President Iftekhar Alam.