Capital market leaders recall Khaleda Zia's role in laying foundations of Bangladesh's financial system
Bangladesh's capital market stakeholders on Thursday remembered former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia for her decisive role in strengthening the institutional framework of the country's financial sector, particularly the capital market, during her time in office.
A remembrance meeting and doa mahfil was jointly organised by the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the DSE Brokers Association of Bangladesh (DBA) at the DSE multipurpose hall today (8 January). The event was held in memory of the late leader, who passed away recently, drawing an unprecedented public response across the country.
Speaking at the programme, DSE Managing Director Nuzhat Anwar said Begum Khaleda Zia was a firm and visionary leader whose contributions to Bangladesh's economic development would be remembered for generations.
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She noted that the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) was formed in 1993 during Khaleda Zia's government, a milestone that played a crucial role in building a strong institutional foundation for the capital market.
She also recalled Khaleda Zia's presence at a national award ceremony on 2 March 1994, where the top ten listed companies of the Dhaka Stock Exchange were honoured, calling it a landmark example of state recognition of the corporate and industrial sectors.
DSE Chairman Mominul Islam said Khaleda Zia's contributions to Bangladesh's economy were unique and far-reaching. He observed that the foundation of a market-based, private sector–driven economic structure was laid during her tenure, particularly after 1991, when private sector expansion accelerated significantly.
He added that her role in bringing discipline and institutional order to the financial and capital markets was vital and that the massive public turnout at her funeral reflected the depth of respect and affection she commanded across society.
DBA President Saiful Islam described Khaleda Zia as a humane politician who consistently respected dissenting opinions. He said her decision in 1991 to open the capital market to foreign investors marked the beginning of a new era for the sector and laid the groundwork for today's modern capital market.
The programme was attended by BSEC Chairman Khondoker Rashed Maqsood and commissioners, CSE Chairman Professor Habibur Rahman, senior officials from capital market institutions and representatives of listed companies. Special prayers were offered seeking eternal peace for the departed soul and expressing sympathy to her bereaved family.
