M SHAHRIAR AZAD BHUIYAN

Shareholders face uncertainty over Islamic banks’ merger

Bangladesh’s banking sector is entering a historic transformation as five Shariah-based private commercial banks prepare to merge into a single state-owned Islamic bank. The institutions under consideration are First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Union Bank, Social Islami Bank and EXIM Bank. Backed by the Bangladesh Bank, the merger aims to restore confidence in Islamic banking, improve governance and strengthen financial stability. Yet for shareholders, one question remains: what will happen to their investments?

2m ago

Capital market left behind in FY26 budget

The national budget for FY2025-26 has disappointed capital market stakeholders. Despite persistent bearish trends, declining investor confidence, and repeated calls for reform, the budget offers little in terms of meaningful support for the country’s capital market.

5m ago

Can Bangladesh navigate the US tariff trap?

The announcement of steep tariff hikes by the United States under its new trade posture—currently on a 90-day pause—has sent ripples across global markets. For Bangladesh, the stakes are especially high. The readymade garment (RMG) sector, which accounts for more than 84 percent of national export earnings and employs over four million workers, faces a new wave of uncertainty. Since the US is Bangladesh’s single largest RMG export destination, purchasing over $6.8 billion worth of apparel in fiscal year 2023-24, the proposed tariff regime poses real challenges.

7m ago

Finding stability amid uncertainty

The Bangladesh Bank’s recently announced monetary policy statement (MPS) for the second half of FY25 continues its contractionary stance, aimed at curbing inflation while cautiously supporting economic recovery. However, this policy shift has substantial implications for Bangladesh’s capital market, influencing investor sentiment, stock valuations, and liquidity.

10m ago

What investors expect from new BSEC chair

Bangladesh’s stock market has been bearish for the past 14 years, leading to significant losses for many investors, erosion of their confidence and weakening of numerous associated institutions, such as the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB).

1y ago

Tight monetary policy: implications for capital market

Monetary policy is a crucial tool for managing a country’s economy. It involves the regulation of money supply and interest rates by a central bank to achieve macroeconomic objectives such as controlling inflation, maintaining currency stability, and fostering economic growth. For a developing country like Bangladesh, an effective monetary policy is essential in steering economic stability and growth, especially during periods of global economic uncertainty.

1y ago

New year expectations from capital market

As stakeholders in Bangladesh's capital market drew the curtain on a personal. year, the dawn of 2024 brings with it a glimmer of hope and anticipation.

1y ago

Mutual fund investment tips for beginners

Mutual funds have emerged as a popular and beneficial option for individuals seeking to grow their personal wealth.

2y ago
October 7, 2025
October 7, 2025

Shareholders face uncertainty over Islamic banks’ merger

Bangladesh’s banking sector is entering a historic transformation as five Shariah-based private commercial banks prepare to merge into a single state-owned Islamic bank. The institutions under consideration are First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Union Bank, Social Islami Bank and EXIM Bank. Backed by the Bangladesh Bank, the merger aims to restore confidence in Islamic banking, improve governance and strengthen financial stability. Yet for shareholders, one question remains: what will happen to their investments?

July 1, 2025
July 1, 2025

Capital market left behind in FY26 budget

The national budget for FY2025-26 has disappointed capital market stakeholders. Despite persistent bearish trends, declining investor confidence, and repeated calls for reform, the budget offers little in terms of meaningful support for the country’s capital market.

May 28, 2025
May 28, 2025

Can Bangladesh navigate the US tariff trap?

The announcement of steep tariff hikes by the United States under its new trade posture—currently on a 90-day pause—has sent ripples across global markets. For Bangladesh, the stakes are especially high. The readymade garment (RMG) sector, which accounts for more than 84 percent of national export earnings and employs over four million workers, faces a new wave of uncertainty. Since the US is Bangladesh’s single largest RMG export destination, purchasing over $6.8 billion worth of apparel in fiscal year 2023-24, the proposed tariff regime poses real challenges.

February 18, 2025
February 18, 2025

Finding stability amid uncertainty

The Bangladesh Bank’s recently announced monetary policy statement (MPS) for the second half of FY25 continues its contractionary stance, aimed at curbing inflation while cautiously supporting economic recovery. However, this policy shift has substantial implications for Bangladesh’s capital market, influencing investor sentiment, stock valuations, and liquidity.

August 28, 2024
August 28, 2024

What investors expect from new BSEC chair

Bangladesh’s stock market has been bearish for the past 14 years, leading to significant losses for many investors, erosion of their confidence and weakening of numerous associated institutions, such as the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB).

August 20, 2024
August 20, 2024

Tight monetary policy: implications for capital market

Monetary policy is a crucial tool for managing a country’s economy. It involves the regulation of money supply and interest rates by a central bank to achieve macroeconomic objectives such as controlling inflation, maintaining currency stability, and fostering economic growth. For a developing country like Bangladesh, an effective monetary policy is essential in steering economic stability and growth, especially during periods of global economic uncertainty.

January 9, 2024
January 9, 2024

New year expectations from capital market

As stakeholders in Bangladesh's capital market drew the curtain on a personal. year, the dawn of 2024 brings with it a glimmer of hope and anticipation.

June 28, 2023
June 28, 2023

Mutual fund investment tips for beginners

Mutual funds have emerged as a popular and beneficial option for individuals seeking to grow their personal wealth.

May 10, 2023
May 10, 2023

Bond market investment tips for beginners

Investing in the bond market of Bangladesh can be a great way for beginners to diversify their investment portfolio and earn a steady income.   

November 24, 2022
November 24, 2022

The floor price dilemma

On July 28, the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) reimposed floor prices on all shares to contain the free fall of listed securities after the key index dropped below the 6,000-point mark.