Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) Chairman Mominul Islam has said that the DSE is actively working toward bringing about positive changes in the capital market. He noted that the DSE is taking initiatives to simplify the IPO process and is also representing investor concerns to regulators, especially in matters related to post-listing compliance issues.

He made these remarks on Wednesday, September 17, during a discussion meeting with the Executive Committee of the Bangladesh Association of Publicly Listed Companies (BAPLC), led by its President, Rupali Haque Chowdhury. The meeting was held at the DSE Tower in Nikunja.

Mominul Islam further stated that the country’s capital market has not progressed in line with the national economy due to long-standing irregularities and negligence, which have left the market stagnant and weakened. However, he noted that there are now signs of hope. The government has appointed Dr. Anisuzzaman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser (with the rank of State Minister), to oversee capital market affairs. Some positive reforms for the capital market were also observed in the latest national budget. He added that the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) and all stakeholders are working sincerely to restore discipline in the market. Additionally, a task force is working on improving the regulatory framework.

The DSE Chairman emphasized that if quality entrepreneurs receive proper pricing, they will be encouraged to come to the capital market, with underwriters acting as a system of checks and balances. He noted that the revised IPO system will enable good companies to enter the market while preventing weaker ones. The DSE is also aiming to approve IPOs more quickly through green channel procedures and digitization. To facilitate smooth Annual General Meetings (AGMs), initiatives have been taken to organize them in digital or hybrid formats. He also mentioned that a coordinated platform involving different organizations and associations could help solve many existing problems. Cooperation between DSE and BAPLC will help strengthen the capital market. “We believe this partnership will boost investor confidence, create new growth opportunities, and enrich the national economy,” he said.

During the meeting, BAPLC President Rupali Haque Chowdhury reaffirmed the association’s commitment to protecting the interests of listed companies while ensuring transparency and good governance in the market. She said that coordinated efforts with the DSE will make the country’s capital market more organized and dynamic. “We have held meetings with Dr. Anisuzzaman, the Commission, and other high-level government stakeholders on various issues regarding market development. We need to significantly expand our capital market, and for that, we must discuss actionable solutions rather than just problems,” she added.

She also highlighted the potential of bringing in small companies with innovative ideas and business plans, which would contribute to business growth. At the same time, she emphasized the need to simplify compliance processes for already listed companies. “This meeting is very timely. We all want to work together to develop the capital market,” she concluded.

During the discussion, BAPLC representatives addressed several key issues crucial for the development, modernization, and sustainable growth of the capital market. These included: transparency and efficiency in the listing process; compliance and governance structure; tax framework; delays in IPO processing and proper valuation; company categorization; green channel introduction for qualified companies; coordination among regulators; regular dialogue with policymakers, regulators, and tax authorities; transparent company monitoring mechanisms; ensuring seamless AGMs; lack of dynamic IPO valuation models; absence of a unified digital reporting system; and the disparity in minimum tax rates between listed and unlisted companies, with the latter enjoying certain advantages.

Both sides agreed that a strong, transparent, and sustainable capital market in Bangladesh is achievable through coordinated efforts and constructive cooperation. The DSE reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its collaboration with BAPLC in the future.

Other speakers at the discussion included DSE Directors Major General (Retd.) Mohammad Kamruzzaman, Syed Hammadul Karim, Mohammad Shahjahan, Minhaj Mannan Emon, Richard D. Rosario, and Mohammad Asadur Rahman, Chief Operating Officer and Acting Managing Director of DSE.