BSCIC Set to Enter Capital Market

On May 20, 2025, Bangladesh’s stock market rebounded from a five-year low as bargain hunters capitalized on undervalued shares. The DSEX rose 13 points (0.28%) to 4,789 in the first hour of trading. Blue-chip and Shariah indices also posted gains.

Over the past seven years, 56 companies raised Tk5,178 crore through IPOs in Bangladesh, but 24 of them—collectively raising over Tk2,000 crore—have been downgraded to the Z and B categories due to poor financial performance.

The cost of SME financing surged to 12.12% in December 2024, up from 6.17% in June 2023, as Bangladesh Bank raised interest rates to combat inflation. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which contribute 32% of GDP and employ 85% of the industrial workforce, are facing severe financial strain.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) saw a significant decline on Sunday, with the DSEX index falling nearly 30 points, or 0.56%, to 5,174, marking its lowest level since February 10. This drop was driven by investor unease following tensions within the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) over the forced retirement of an executive director.

The expansion of women-led SMEs is strengthening Bangladesh’s poultry industry by boosting employment, production, and market competitiveness. On International Women's Day 2025, the Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council (BPICC) and the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) highlighted the need to support women entrepreneurs and ensure adequate nutrition for their sustained contributions.

Loan disbursements to the CMSME sector dropped by 16% in the July-September quarter of FY25, falling to Tk 44,202 crore from Tk 52,654 crore in FY24, as per Bangladesh Bank data. Political instability, including protests and government unrest, contributed to the decline by dampening business confidence and investment.