BSEC adopts integrated action plan to restore investor confidence

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has adopted an integrated short, medium, and long-term action plan to restore investors' confidence as part of implementing Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's 180-day programme.

When asked about the matter, BSEC Director and spokesperson Md Abul Kalam told BSS that under this integrated plan, the commission has already started work with special emphasis on market reform, technology-based surveillance, investor education, and enhancing institutional capacity.

He said the commission has already taken several measures to reform the capital market and implement the government's electoral commitments.

The main objective of these measures is to restore good governance, transparency, and investor confidence in the country's capital market through the implementation of the government's election manifesto.

According to the action plan formulated by BSEC, initiatives have been taken to expand investment education among young entrepreneurs by strengthening both online and offline training programmes across the country.

This is expected to increase the number of trained young entrepreneurs and improve awareness about the capital market.

In addition, as part of implementing the election manifesto and restoring good governance, transparency, and investor confidence in the country's capital market, initiatives have been taken to ensure the recruitment of qualified, honest, and skilled individuals in the commission.

Stakeholders believe this will increase investor confidence and make the market more stable.

The action plan states that the commission has taken necessary measures in line with the recommendations of the "Capital Market Reform Commission" formed for capital market reforms.

Through this, the BSEC aims to eliminate structural weaknesses in the market and build a strong, investment-friendly capital market.

At the same time, based on the report of the investigation commission, initiatives have been taken to impose punitive measures against those involved in various irregularities and fraud in the capital market over the past 15 years during the fascist regime.

This is expected to establish discipline and accountability in the market and further increase investor confidence and participation.

There are also plans to introduce an artificial intelligence (AI)-based surveillance system in the next fiscal year. To achieve this, system integration will be carried out among capital market regulatory institutions.

The commission believes this will enable quicker detection of market manipulation, insider trading, and irregularities.

To strengthen investor protection, initiatives have been taken to formulate the "Capital Market Stabilization Fund Act, 2026." Through this law, unclaimed dividends and shares held by various companies will be returned to their rightful investors.

There are also plans to launch "Digital IPO Express" for the startup and SME sectors.

Under this system, companies will be able to get listed within 30 days through a fast and simplified process.

At the same time, the application and approval procedures will be made fully digital.

To expand capital market education among students, initiatives have been taken to include personal finance and investment education in the curricula of schools, colleges, and universities.

The matter will be implemented through coordination with the relevant authorities. The five-year plan places special emphasis on building a strong bond and equity market.

To this end, modern laws and policies will be formulated to expand corporate bonds, sukuk, green bonds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

At the same time, work is underway to develop a sustainable bond framework in line with international standards.

To attract more foreign investment, there are plans to launch a "Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) Onboarding Portal."

In addition, initiatives have been taken to digitize BO account opening, capital repatriation, and investment processes.

There are also plans to make the "Capital Market Tribunal" more effective in quickly resolving investors' complaints.

At the same time, work is in its final stage to formulate separate regulations for the protection of whistleblowers.

BSEC believes that if these initiatives are implemented, they will help establish good governance in the country's capital market, increase market depth, attract new investments, and have a positive impact on the country's overall economy.