Investor confidence in the country’s share market has once again plummeted. Once abuzz with new investors, the market is now witnessing a steady withdrawal.

Prolonged stagnation, continuous price falls, and policy uncertainty have driven both local and foreign investors away.

Few have managed to earn profits without incurring losses, prompting many to exit the market altogether. Market insiders say that restoring investor confidence requires not just policy declarations but also effective action.

Unless listed companies ensure transparency, fair valuation, and improved liquidity, stability will not return to the market.

According to the latest data from the Central Depository Bangladesh Limited (CDBL), nearly 30,000 investors have closed their Beneficiary Owners’ (BO) accounts in the first nine months of this year alone.

During the same period, another 32,000 investors’ accounts have become shareless, meaning that at least 62,000 investors have effectively withdrawn from the market between January and September.

As of 31 December 2024, there were 1,682,452 BO accounts. By 30 September 2025, the number had dropped to 1,632,227 — a decrease of 30,225 accounts in just nine months.

Meanwhile, shareless BO accounts have increased by 31,885. Although the number of BO accounts rose slightly at the beginning of October, a downward trend reappeared last week.

By the end of September, the number of active BO accounts stood at 1,209,207, holding a total of 10,257 crore shares and units, valued at approximately Tk 316,042 crore. Conversely, the number of shareless accounts rose to 375,859.

Foreign investment has also declined significantly in 11 listed companies, raising concerns among investors.

According to Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) sources, these companies include British American Tobacco Company (BATC), BD Thai Aluminium, Bangladesh Submarine Cables, Beximco Pharma, First Security Islami Bank, MJL Bangladesh, Olympic Industries, One Bank, Reckitt Benckiser, Renata, and Shepherd Industries.

Each of these companies has seen its foreign shareholding drop by more than 0.10%.

The Securities Commission has introduced various plans to restore investor confidence, emphasising transparent accounting practices and the development of a long-term investment culture to strengthen the share market.

It has also pledged to list profitable state-owned enterprises on the market. However, in the absence of tangible progress, investors remain disheartened.

Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) Director Minhaz Mannan Emon told The Daily Sun, “To win people’s trust, there must be effective action. Punishing a few individuals will not restore confidence in the share market.

People invest here to make profits — if they keep losing money instead, how can confidence return?”

He added, “The condition of broker houses is worsening by the day. Continuous losses have pushed many to the brink of collapse.

Several have already had to lay off employees, but even after cutting staff, survival will be impossible if the current slump continues.

There is nothing positive visible in the market. From the authorities’ attitude, it does not appear that there is any clear plan for the market.”