The number of beneficiary owner (BO) accounts in Bangladesh has declined by approximately 50% over the past decade, marking a significant contraction in the country's retail investor base.
These depository accounts are mandatory for trading shares on the Dhaka Stock Exchange, making the drop a direct indicator of waning participation in the equity market.
The erosion of the investor base reflects broader structural challenges facing the Bangladeshi capital markets.
A dry primary market, characterized by a lack of new listings and initial public offerings, has limited opportunities for fresh capital deployment.
Simultaneously, the secondary market has failed to offer attractive returns, discouraging both new entrants and existing holders from maintaining active positions.
This long-term decline underscores a persistent liquidity and confidence issue.