DSE reclaims 5,400-mark on reform hopes as govt pledges non-political BSEC

The benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) reclaimed the 5,400-point threshold today (2 June), hitting a three-month high as a sustained seven-day winning streak gathered pace. 

Investor sentiment was significantly bolstered by fresh government commitments to restructure the stock market regulator with non-political, skilled professionals. 

The rally, which has added 203 points to the broad index over the last seven trading sessions, reflects a growing confidence among market participants regarding the future governance and transparency of the capital market.

The benchmark DSEX index rose by 33 points to settle at 5,406 today, its highest level since early March. 

The market’s upward trajectory also resulted in a substantial increase in valuation, with the total market capitalisation of the premier bourse jumping by Tk12,700 crore over the last week to reach Tk6.88 lakh crore. 

Market participation saw a notable surge as daily turnover increased by 18%, crossing the prestigious thousand-crore mark to settle at Tk1,080 crore.

The primary catalyst for today’s surge was a landmark announcement by the Finance and Planning Minister at an event titled “Budget 2026-27: Expectations and Reality,” organised by the Economic Reporters Forum. 

The minister revealed that the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) will be fully restructured within the next two weeks, adding that a new chairman and four commissioners are being appointed through a strictly professional process, free from political influence or consultation with political parties.  

Analysts believe that if the government fulfills its promise of a professionally run BSEC, the market could sustain its current momentum and attract much-needed institutional and foreign investment in the coming months.

The optimism was visible across the trading floor, with the blue-chip DS30 index inching up by 5 points to close at 2,049. 

Market breadth remained strongly positive as 230 issues advanced compared to 116 that declined, while 47 remained unchanged. 

Sector-wise performance was led by general insurance, which posted a 2.28% return, followed by the tannery, cement, and non-bank financial institution (NBFI) sectors. Conversely, the jute, telecommunication, and travel and leisure sectors faced minor corrections.

In terms of individual stock activity, the banking sector remained the focus of high-volume trading. Jamuna Bank, BRAC Bank, and City Bank emerged as the top traded stocks, alongside RD Food and Agni Systems. 

Among the top gainers, Meghna PET and Sonargaon Textile led the chart, both surging by nearly 10%. On the other hand, BIFC and International Leasing were among the top losers as investors shifted capital away from struggling financial entities toward fundamentally stronger scrips.

The bullish sentiment extended to the Chittagong Stock Exchange, where the Selective Categories’ Index (CSCX) gained 62 points to finish at 9,277, and the All Share Price Index (CASPI) jumped 110 points to reach 15,080. However, unlike the Dhaka bourse, turnover at the port city exchange saw a 42% decline, standing at Tk27.19 crore.