Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday inaugurated the countrywide “financial literacy programme” for the stock market investors, the first of its kind in Bangladesh, assuring that the government would continue its support for the development of the stock market.
“The present government would continue its all-out support for the development of the stock market which would be a dependable source of long-term funding in building a developed Bangladesh,” she said.
The prime minister formally opened the Financial Literacy Programme at a function at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka yesterday morning. From the function, she also inaugurated the newly-constructed 10-storey office building of Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) at Agargaon in the capital.
Cautioning people against being swayed by market rumours, she advised them to instead invest in companies which earn enough profits to give good returns.
Hasina said many investors cannot analyse appropriately the financial statement and other information of the companies they choose to invest in. “Sometimes, they make investments based on rumours and assumptions and by doing that they stand a chance of losing their money. Then they blame the government for their losses.”
Following the introduction of financial literacy programme, the prime minister hoped that the investors would be benefited and the capital market would be infused with more dynamism.
She said the government aims to make the country free from poverty as the economic emancipation is the only key to that end. “So, for further flourishing of the capital market, we’re always expanding our hands for all types of co-operation.”
The prime minister also mentioned that her two consecutive terms since 2009 have taken various types of initiatives for the establishment of a stable, transparent and accountable capital market.
“As a result, the stability of the capital market has been established as well as the confidence of investors from home and aboard has bolstered,” she said.
BSEC chairman Khairul Hossain delivered the welcome speech while Finance Minister AMA Muhith spoke as the special guest. 
The financial literacy programme aims to provide financial education to each and every person of Bangladesh.
BSEC took the initiative to make individuals understand at their level of needs the role of money in their lives, the need and use of savings, the advantages of using formal financial sectors, various ways to convert their savings into investments, develop self-protection through understanding risks and a realistic recognition of the attributes of these options.
Describing various initiatives of the government to ensure good governance of the Stock Exchange and listed companies, Hasina said proper regulatory measures have been taken to identify irregularities in the transaction in stock market.
She said the government would also continue special incentive packages for protecting interests of small investors.
The capital market has got stabilised following government steps, Hasina said, adding that Bangladesh’s stock market is now recognised as a fast growing and potential one. 
Referring to government’s initiative of establishing 100 economic zones in the country, the prime minister said more than 10mn people would be employed in various mills and factories to be set up in these economic zones. 
“Besides, memorandums of understanding (MoUs) have also been signed with China, Japan and India on government-to-government basis to establish four special economic zones for boosting more local and foreign investments,” she said.  
While speaking at the function, Finance Minister A M A Muhith said the government would urge multinational companies working in Bangladesh to invest in the capital market of the country as the market has already got international recognition.


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