The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) launched World Investor Week 2025 today at its headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, with a strong message promoting a transparent and fraud-free stock market.

The global event, observed annually by members of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), has been celebrated in Bangladesh since 2017. This year, BSEC has chosen “Fraud & Scam Prevention” as its central theme, aligning with the global campaign to promote investor awareness and market integrity.

Attorney General A.M. Asaduzzaman attended the inaugural ceremony as chief guest. In his address, he called for the enactment of a modern, unified securities law by merging the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission Act, 1993 and the Securities and Exchange Ordinance, 1969. He emphasized the need for stricter penalties for financial fraud and a coordinated effort among regulatory bodies such as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU).

BSEC Commissioner Md. Ali Akbar, in his welcome remarks, stated, “Investor protection is not only a regulatory responsibility but also a moral obligation. We must foster both awareness and a culture of accountability to effectively combat fraud in the capital market.”

Keynote presentations were delivered by Deputy Attorney General Mohammad Zisan Haider and financial analyst Yawer Sayeed, who discussed various types of financial fraud, BSEC’s preventive strategies, and the importance of strengthening enforcement.

In his closing remarks, BSEC Chairman Khandaker Rashid Maksud confirmed that the commission has already begun integrating the existing laws to strengthen the regulatory framework. He also noted that punitive action has been taken in seven cases based on past investigation reports concerning market irregularities.

Highlighting technological advancements, the chairman said all brokers are now required to operate under a unified and tamper-proof back-office software system. He added that reforms are underway to improve governance in the mutual fund sector and enhance corporate accountability among listed firms.

“We are committed to building a modern, secure, and fraud-resistant capital market that will attract and protect investors across the country,” Maksud stated.

As part of the week-long observance, several seminars and events will be held. Notably, on October 8, a joint initiative by DSE, CSE, DBA, and CDBL will host a seminar titled “Empowering Investors through Emerging Technology & Digital Finance”. On October 12, BICM will organize a session on “Financial Statement Analysis and Its Relevance in Machine Learning-based Stock Price Prediction.”