In FY 2023-24, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) faced operating losses due to reduced trading, fewer IPOs, and increased costs. The DSE’s core revenue of Tk 125 crore fell short of expenses, causing a Tk 20 crore loss, while the CSE incurred a Tk 10 crore loss with Tk 31 crore in core revenue. Both exchanges relied on fixed deposit interest to achieve net profits of Tk 61 crore (DSE) and Tk 31 crore (CSE).
Declining daily turnovers, down to Tk 622 crore for the DSE, coupled with poor fund management and risky investments in troubled banks and NBFIs, exacerbated challenges. Experts recommend reforms, product diversification, and stronger company listings to revitalize the market. Meanwhile, 95% of brokerage houses are struggling with operating losses due to sluggish trading.