Capital market growth hinges on investigative journalism: BSEC Chairman

Accurate, balanced, and data-driven journalism is critical to fostering a resilient and investor-friendly capital market, said Khondoker Rashed Maqsood, Chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC).

He made the remarks on Friday (September 26) while inaugurating a residential training workshop titled “Forensic Analysis of Financial Statements”, organised by the Capital Market Journalists’ Forum (CMJF) at Rangamati’s Rangdwip Resort.

Maqsood emphasised that investors primarily rely on the media for information, and thus, responsible reporting strengthens investor confidence, stabilises the market, and facilitates capital formation.

“Forensic analysis of financial statements is not only essential for journalists but also crucial for investors, regulators, and the public,” he noted, adding that many irregularities remain undetected without specialized scrutiny.

The workshop featured sessions by Mohammad Salim Kabir, Vice President of the ACFE Bangladesh Chapter, and CFE Arif Mahmud. CMJF President Golam Samdani Bhuiyan chaired the session, with Secretary Abu Ali moderating. Asad Chowdhury, MD of Expo Group, delivered the welcome address.

Calling journalism a form of public service, the BSEC chief urged journalists to avoid unverified information that may destabilise the market. “Each report should be balanced, research-based, and free from sensationalism,” he said.

He described journalists as the "mirror" of the market and reaffirmed BSEC’s commitment to supporting capacity-building efforts. “Beyond journalism awards, we’ve involved CMJF in fellowship programs to ensure long-term collaboration—despite some criticism—because informed journalism ultimately benefits investors,” he said.

Praising the training initiative, Maqsood concluded: “No capital market can be sustainable without transparency, accountability, and fact-based financial reporting.”