Big Investors Regain Interest in Bangladesh’s Capital Market, BO Accounts on the Rise

Dhaka, July 30, 2025 – Bangladesh’s capital market is experiencing a resurgence, with major investors showing renewed interest and a significant increase in Beneficiary Owner (BO) accounts over the past year, according to the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC). Despite claims of declining investor participation, official data paints a different picture, highlighting a growing presence of high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors.

BSEC statistics reveal a shift in investment patterns, with portfolios valued between Tk50 crore and Tk500 crore increasing notably compared to June 2024. Similarly, portfolios exceeding Tk50 lakh have also risen, while retail participation, particularly investments below Tk1 lakh, has declined, dropping from 916,157 in June 2024 to 831,748 this year.

The number of millionaire investors has grown steadily, with 13,316 investors holding portfolios valued over Tk1 crore as of June 2025, up from 12,993 last year. Portfolios above Tk50 crore have increased from 696 to 733, and those exceeding Tk100 crore have risen by 22, with two additional portfolios surpassing Tk500 crore. Market insiders attribute this trend to the long-term confidence of large investors. “Unlike small investors, who are more affected by market volatility, big investors stay committed, believing in the market’s recovery,” said Asad Mia, Branch Manager at Global Securities in Motijheel. Veteran investor Tarek Hossain added, “Small investors chase short-term gains, but large investors focus on fundamentally strong companies and weather market downturns.” Despite the positive momentum, the market has not seen major listings of fundamentally strong companies in the past year. Efforts are underway to address this, with Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, stating that the government is preparing a list of state-owned and private companies for potential market listings. “Strong oversight is crucial to curb manipulation and boost investor confidence,” he noted.

Abu Ahmed, Chairman of the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB), emphasized the need for quality listings, saying, “One strong company can transform market sentiment. We should also consider multinational firms alongside domestic ones.” BSEC Chairman Khondoker Rashed Maqsood reiterated the Commission’s commitment to listing high-quality companies and implementing taskforce recommendations for sustainable market growth.