B Mirror Report: Concerns have emerged at the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) over the recruitment of two relatives of Managing Director (MD) Nuzhat Anwar without any public job advertisement, at a time when employees are reportedly anxious about potential layoffs.

According to sources, Mohammad Rakibul Hasan Parvez and Prithula Hridi joined the DSE as executives on May 24. Their appointments were reportedly made without any recruitment notice, marking the first such instance at the country’s premier stock exchange since 2010.

Nuzhat Anwar, who joined the DSE on December 28 as its first female managing director, has come under scrutiny over the appointments. Sources within the organisation claim that the DSE’s Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) was not informed about the recruitments.

A DSE director, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that while many board members were uncomfortable with the situation, it would be inappropriate to comment in detail without knowing all the facts. The director described Anwar as an honest and capable professional.

Meanwhile, allegations have surfaced that the DSE management is considering workforce reductions, with reports suggesting that a list of 28 employees has been prepared for possible termination. Some officials claim that the layoffs could create vacancies for preferred candidates to be appointed later.

A senior DSE official, who requested anonymity due to job security concerns, confirmed that Parvez and Hridi are relatives of the managing director and said no executive-level recruitment without public advertisement had taken place at the DSE since 2010.

Responding to the allegations, Nuzhat Anwar, through DSE Deputy General Manager Shafikur Rahman, said the two individuals had been appointed on a six-month contractual basis.

However, critics have pointed out that the official office circular announcing the appointments does not mention that the positions are contractual or limited to six months.