BSEC bats for real-time market surveillance to curb manipulation

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has urged the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) to strengthen real-time market surveillance and regulatory controls to prevent market manipulation and protect investors' interests.

The call came during a meeting between BSEC officials and the DSE surveillance team at the commission's office today (21 June), where the two sides discussed measures to modernise the capital market surveillance system and improve market oversight, a BSEC press release says.

The meeting was attended by BSEC Acting Chairman Tanwir Habib Rahman, commissioners Nahid Mahtab and Md Nafiz Al Tariq, as well as senior officials from the commission's surveillance department. DSE Managing Director Nuzhat Anwar and Acting Chief Regulatory Officer Mohammad Shafiqul Islam Bhuiyan represented the stock exchange.

According to the release, discussions focused on the development and modernisation of the capital market, enhancing transparency, and preventing irregularities and manipulation to safeguard investors.

The DSE briefed the commission on recent measures it has taken to curb market manipulation. The stock exchange said it has been temporarily halting trading in shares of companies when unusual price movements or trading patterns are detected.

BSEC assured the exchange of its support in building a transparent, accountable and effective capital market.

The commission also advised the DSE to adopt international best practices in market oversight, including real-time surveillance systems and other necessary regulatory measures to deter manipulation.

Recently, the DSE suspended trading in shares of Shyampur Sugar Mills and Sonargaon Textiles following sharp and unusual price increases. Trading in both stocks resumed the following day after the temporary suspension was lifted.