Trading operations at 22 Dhaka Stock Exchange, or DSE, trekhholder companies remain suspended over irregularities, including shortfalls in consolidated customer accounts and net worth. The report, published on August 17, 2026, said investors linked to the affected houses are facing difficulty recovering their money. DSE officials said the suspensions followed allegations that customer deposits in consolidated customer accounts, or CCAs, had been used unlawfully for personal purposes over years.

The report said five brokerage houses, including Crest, Banco, Tamha and Mashiur Securities, were involved in the alleged misappropriation of Tk607 crore in investors' funds. DSE found shortfalls of Tk126 crore at Crest, Tk128 crore at Banco, Tk140 crore at Tamha and Tk161 crore at Mashiur. It also found a Tk52 crore shortfall at NRBC Securities, although trading at that house remains open.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission said investors' misappropriated money and shares should be promptly paid from the investor protection fund. It has directed stock exchanges to form special auditor panels for unannounced inspections, while the commission will also inspect brokerage houses. It said serious irregularities could lead to temporary closure or licence cancellation. A Mashiur director said asset sales were under way and the firm hoped to issue cheques within two to three months.