Central Depository Bangladesh Limited data show that 8,570 investors were added to Bangladesh’s stock market during the first six months after the BNP government took office on February 17. The number of BO account holders rose from 1,647,916 to 1,656,486 by August 16. This was about half the 16,960 net increase recorded in the first six months of the interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus after its August 8, 2024 swearing-in.

During the BNP government’s first six months, 55,814 new BO accounts were opened while 47,244 were closed. Under the interim government, 39,172 accounts were opened and 22,212 closed. In contrast, the number of investors fell by 49,680 in the first six months after the Awami League government formed in 2009, despite 141,158 new accounts being opened and 190,838 closed.

Market participants said government formation may affect account openings, but economic conditions, fiscal policy, listed companies’ finances, IPO approvals and securities regulator leadership also matter. They noted that annual June BO-account renewal fees can lead to account suspensions. BSEC leadership changed on June 4, about four months after the BNP government formed.