BGMEA, Dhaka Stock Exchange explore initiatives to bring garment companies to the share market

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) held a meeting today (16 October) to explore strategies aimed at encouraging garment sector companies to list on the stock market.

A five-member DSE delegation, led by Chairman Mominul Islam, met with BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan to discuss collaboration and plans to raise awareness about investment opportunities within the garment industry.

Speaking at the meeting, DSE Chairman Mominul Islam underscored the garment sector's pivotal role in Bangladesh's economy, highlighting its contribution to foreign currency earnings and employment. 

He noted that 58 garment and textile companies are currently listed on the DSE, and referenced the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between DSE and BGMEA aimed at strengthening cooperation and supporting the growth of the country's capital market.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan emphasised the need for member companies to go public and suggested organising seminars to educate business owners about the stock market. He also proposed that BGMEA could issue a preliminary certificate or No Objection Certificate (NOC) for companies before listing to help verify their credibility and readiness.

DSE Director Minhaj Mannan Emon pointed out that linking the export potential of the garment sector with the stock market could provide a substantial boost to Bangladesh's economic growth. 

Meanwhile, DSE Director Major General (Retd.) Mohammad Kamruzzaman highlighted that involving the large workforce employed in the garment sector as investors could have a transformative impact on the country's economy.

Finally, DSE Chief Operating Officer and Acting Managing Director Mohammad Asadur Rahman (FCS) proposed a joint seminar by DSE and BGMEA to guide garment companies on the listing process, the opportunities it offers, and the benefits of listing on the main market, SME Board, and Alternative Trading Board (ATB).

The meeting represents a concrete step toward making the stock market more accessible, transparent, and attractive for Bangladesh's garment industry, paving the way for increased participation by companies and investors alike.