The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has sought stakeholders’ opinions on a proposed regulatory framework that would allow eligible companies to gain direct access to the stock exchanges through a listing mechanism outside the conventional initial public offering (IPO) process.

The commission held a consultation meeting on Thursday on the draft “Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (Direct Listing of Securities by Stock Exchange) Rules, 2026” at its office in Dhaka.

The draft regulations have already been approved by the commission for publication, while market participants were invited to submit their observations and recommendations before the rules are finalised, according to a BSEC press release.

BSEC Chairman Masud Khan presided over the consultation, which was attended by representatives of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), Bangladesh Association of Publicly Listed Companies (BAPLC), listed firms, merchant banks, stockbrokers and other capital market stakeholders.

During the meeting, participants exchanged views on different provisions of the proposed direct-listing framework, particularly the eligibility of companies, disclosure obligations, transparency requirements, investor protection measures and the procedures to be followed for listing.

Stakeholders also put forward recommendations aimed at ensuring that the new mechanism attracts financially strong and well-governed companies to the capital market without compromising the interests and security of investors.

BSEC Chairman Masud Khan said the proposed direct-listing facility could open another avenue for eligible companies to raise their profile in the capital market and give investors an opportunity to invest in their shares.

He underscored the importance of establishing a transparent, credible and effective mechanism under the proposed rules to ensure adequate protection for investors.

The commission said stakeholders’ feedback would be carefully reviewed before the draft regulations are finalised. It expects the proposed direct-listing framework to expand market access, encourage quality companies to join the stock exchanges and contribute to the further development and deepening of Bangladesh’s capital market.