BSEC Chairman pledges real-time action against capital market manipulation

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has announced plans to introduce real-time surveillance measures to curb market manipulation, alongside broader reforms aimed at modernising the country’s capital market.

Speaking to reporters after assuming office at the BSEC headquarters in Agargaon on Thursday (June 4), newly appointed Chairman Masud Khan said the commission will focus on building a “smart, technology-driven regulatory framework” to ensure transparency and efficiency in the stock market.

He was joined by newly appointed commissioners during the briefing, which was also attended by Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Investment and Capital Markets Tanvir Gani and Financial Institutions Division Secretary Nazma Mobarak.

The chairman said the new commission aims to gradually transition all capital market operations into a fully digital platform to ensure faster, more transparent, and investor-friendly services. He also emphasized plans to simplify regulations where possible while strengthening enforcement in critical areas.

Reiterating a strict stance against irregularities, Masud Khan warned that any form of market manipulation would be identified and acted upon in real time. He said the commission would adopt stronger punitive measures compared to the past against those involved in such practices.

He added that special surveillance will be maintained over Z-category companies, which are often considered vulnerable to speculative trading and irregular activities.

Investor protection, he said, would remain the top priority of the regulator’s agenda.

The BSEC leadership expressed optimism that the combination of digital transformation and stronger enforcement would help restore investor confidence and contribute to building a more stable and sustainable capital market in the long term.