BSEC urges private firms to list voluntarily

Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Chairman Masud Khan urged private-sector companies to voluntarily list on the stock market, saying businesses should explore raising funds through the capital market instead of relying heavily on bank loans.
“We want companies to join the stock market voluntarily and benefit from it. We have already held talks with several local, foreign and multinational companies. Private-sector businesses should seriously consider listing on the stock market,” he said.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the IDLC Capital Market Conclave 2026, organised by IDLC Investments Limited, a subsidiary of IDLC Finance PLC, at the Renaissance Dhaka Gulshan Hotel on Saturday.
The event brought together policymakers, regulators, economists, senior bankers, corporate leaders and capital market representatives to discuss ways to expand Bangladesh’s capital market and develop a more balanced and sustainable financial system.
Participants emphasised the need to attract financially strong companies with sound corporate governance and established track records to the stock market.
They also called for more initial public offerings (IPOs) and direct listings to expand investment opportunities, improve market liquidity and restore investor confidence.
Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) Chairman Mominul Islam said the country’s stock market capitalisation currently stood at 7.4% of gross domestic product (GDP) or less, with a target to raise the ratio to 20% by 2030.

He said the market, including bonds and government securities, could grow to more than US$200 billion, compared with the current equity market value of around $30 billion.
The target was achievable when compared with other Asian markets, but would require active participation and greater confidence among all stakeholders, he said.
IDLC Investments Limited Managing Director Mesbah Uddin Ahmed highlighted Bangladesh’s heavy reliance on bank borrowing for corporate financing.
He said bank loans accounted for around 75% of corporate financing in Bangladesh, compared with about 53% in India and 15% to 20% in more developed markets.
Companies typically raise funds through three major sources – bank loans, bonds and equity – but the country’s capital market remained underdeveloped, with market capitalisation among the lowest in the region, he said.
In his welcome address, IDLC Investments Limited Chairman M Jamal Uddin said demand for financing was increasing as the economy expanded, making alternative funding sources increasingly important.
“The importance of alternative sources of financing is growing to meet this rising demand. In this context, there is no alternative to developing a strong and effective capital market,” he said.
The event was also attended by Bangladesh Bank Executive Director Dr Imam Abu Sayeed, Centre for Policy Dialogue Executive Director Dr Nazneen Ahmed, BSEC Commissioner Tanvir Habib Rahman and other senior officials and business leaders.
Other speakers included Bangladesh Association of Banks Chairman Abdul Hai Sarker, DBL Group Vice-Chairman M A Rahim, IDLC Investments Limited Head of Investment Banking Md Rashiduzzaman and Saudi-Bangladesh Industrial and Agricultural Investment Company Limited (SABINCO) Managing Director Md Marufur Rahman Majumder.