After rising for two consecutive days, the stock market began this week's trading on a downward trend amid worries over the standoff between the top brass and other officials of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC).

The DSEX, the benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), dropped 8 points, or 0.15 percent, to 5,195, with the turnover reaching Tk 152 crore as of 12pm.

So far, 88 stocks have advanced, 220 have declined, and 83 have remained unchanged.

Meanwhile, BSEC officials returned to work today, although no announcement has been made by their association regarding the withdrawal of the 'break in service' agenda.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission Officers' Welfare Association had announced the agenda, demanding the resignation of the BSEC chairman and commissioners.