What BNP promises for capital market? 

In its election manifesto, the BNP, which has won in the national polls in an absolute majority, pledged a comprehensive restructuring of the country's financial sector, promising to transform the capital market into a transparent, autonomous, and technology-driven pillar of the economy.

Swearing-in discussions for Members of Parliament and the new cabinet are expected within the next few days.

Trading on the stock exchanges is scheduled to resume today after a four-day public holiday for the 12 February election. Market participants are closely watching the new government's first moves, as the BNP outlined 11 key commitments in the manifesto.

A central promise is to strengthen the independence and accountability of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission, transforming it into a fully autonomous institution. 

The party also committed to bringing the regulator under artificial intelligence-based surveillance systems to enhance oversight and curb irregularities.

To address past controversies, the BNP plans to establish a Capital Market Reform Commission as well as a special investigation commission to examine irregularities that occurred over the past 15 years. It pledged punitive action against individuals involved in market manipulation, insider trading and abuse of power.

The party said it would ensure the strict enforcement of existing securities laws and appoint competent and reputable professionals to the commission and the boards of state-owned banks to improve transparency and governance.

The BNP pledged to implement robust and decisive legal measures to curb stock market malpractice, specifically targeting manipulation, insider trading, and the misuse of authority. 

To revitalise the capital market, the party intends to restore investor trust through the introduction of equitable tax policies and the enhancement of institutional transparency and governance.

The BNP pledged to address the structural challenges of the capital market to build a resilient share, bond, and equity ecosystem. The party's vision, as outlined in its manifesto, is to democratise investment and ensure "wealth creation opportunities for everyone."

The BNP said it will bolster the SME Board and facilitate the launch of corporate bonds, Sukuk, and green bonds. As part of its environmental and economic strategy, the party aims to oversee the issuance of Tk50,000 crore in green bonds by 2030.

The BNP pledged to launch a dedicated investment gateway for non-resident Bangladeshis, implement blockchain technology in the capital market, and take necessary measures to increase foreign investment.

To bolster foreign participation, the party will implement strategic measures to increase both the number of overseas investors and the scale of their capital contributions. 

This includes the introduction of a dedicated "Foreign Portfolio Investment Onboarding Portal" and the harmonisation of existing regulations with international benchmarks to enhance the country's appeal for foreign capital.

The BNP committed to the introduction of a "Digital IPO Express" mechanism tailored for startups and the SME sector. 

The manifesto outlines a streamlined and simplified regulatory framework designed to expedite the listing process, ensuring that eligible enterprises can complete their Initial Public Offering (IPO) within a 30-day window.

To rebuild investor trust, the BNP's manifesto outlines a commitment to establishing an expedited "Capital Market Tribunal." 

The party also proposes the implementation of comprehensive whistle-blower protections and an efficient investor dispute resolution system to ensure accountability and transparency.

The BNP committed to fostering financial literacy by integrating capital market education into the national academic framework. The manifesto outlines plans to make capital market studies a compulsory component of the curriculum for both college and university students to ensure a deeper understanding of investment from an early age.