BSEC chairman pledges to restore investor confidence, undertake long-term market reforms

Newly appointed Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Chairman Masud Khan has pledged to restore investor confidence and undertake long-term reforms to build a transparent, fair and resilient capital market, acknowledging that the country's stock market is currently passing through a challenging period.

“I am truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of warm wishes, congratulations, and messages of support that I have received over the past few days. My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you,” Masud Khan said in a post on his social media platform on Saturday, days after being appointed as the head of the market regulator.

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead the commission, he said he was deeply humbled and privileged to serve as chairman of the BSEC at a critical juncture for Bangladesh's capital market.

Masud Khan noted that restoring investor confidence, enhancing market depth and meeting stakeholders' expectations would be among the key challenges facing the commission.

He acknowledged that reviving the market and placing it on a strong and sustainable footing would not be easy.

The newly appointed chairman said accepting the responsibility was a difficult decision, particularly given the experiences of previous commissions and the complex challenges associated with reforming and developing the capital market.

He also revealed that taking up the role required significant personal sacrifice, including giving up substantial financial benefits and a secure professional path built over a long corporate career.

 “Public service often demands that personal considerations take a back seat to a larger purpose,” he said, adding that encouragement from family, friends and colleagues ultimately influenced his decision to accept the position.

Masud Khan said the mission ahead extends beyond merely recovering the market and includes strengthening institutions, attracting quality companies and long-term investment, improving governance and transparency, embracing digitisation, promoting investor education and creating the foundation for sustainable growth and innovation.

He stressed the importance of striking a balance between regulation and deregulation, saying his guiding principle would be to “regulate where necessary, simplify where possible.”

The BSEC chairman also emphasised that meaningful reforms cannot be achieved by any individual or institution acting alone.

He pledged to remain open to feedback, suggestions and constructive criticism from investors and stakeholders while acting in the best interests of the capital market and the broader economy.

Referring to his personal faith, Masud Khan said he believes that Allah is the best planner and expressed confidence that divine guidance and blessings would help overcome the challenges ahead.

Calling the task a collective endeavour, he sought the support and cooperation of investors, listed companies, intermediaries, regulators, policymakers, professional bodies and the media to rebuild trust in the country's capital market.

 “With the support, cooperation, and goodwill of all stakeholders, I am confident that together we can restore confidence and build a transparent, fair, vibrant, and resilient capital market,” he said.

Masud Khan concluded by thanking well-wishers for their encouragement, support and prayers, saying he looks forward to working closely with all stakeholders in advancing the development of Bangladesh's capital market.