The government is expected to appoint a new chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) soon, with an announcement likely this week, sources said.

According to officials, Masud Khan, chairman of Unilever Consumer Care, is emerging as the frontrunner for the post under the government’s current plan.

After the national election and BNP’s assumption of office, several names including DBA President Saiful Islam and former senior secretary Md. Faridul Islam were initially considered. However, attention has now reportedly shifted to Mr Khan and former BSEC chairman Faruq Ahmad Siddiqi.

Parliament recently passed the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026, removing the 65-year age limit for appointing the BSEC chairman and commissioners, allowing experienced professionals to be considered for the role.

Sources said Mr Khan, who is over 70 and has extensive experience in multinational and local companies, is now widely seen as the leading candidate.

Speaking to The Financial Express, DBA President Saiful Islam said Mr Khan’s appointment appeared to be at the final stage of consideration.

Mr Khan, however, declined to confirm the development, saying, “Let’s see.”

Former BSEC chairman Faruq Ahmad Siddiqi said he was not interested in returning to the regulator, noting that he had already completed his tenure in the past.

Earlier, economist Dr M Masrur Reaz was appointed as BSEC chairman after the political transition in August 2024 but declined to take up the post. He was later replaced by Khondoker Rashed Maqsood along with three commissioners.