IDLC Finance PLC, the country's leading non-bank financial institution (NBFI), reported a consolidated net profit of Tk137 crore for the first half of 2026, up 26% year-on-year, despite a challenging macroeconomic environment.

The performance underscores the company's resilient business model and strong asset quality, the company said in a press release.

According to the unaudited financial statements approved at a board meeting yesterday (28 July), consolidated earnings per share (EPS) rose to Tk2.99 for the January-June period from Tk2.37 a year earlier.
Profitability also improved, with annualised return on equity (ROE) increasing to 12.36% and return on assets (ROA) to 1.52%, reflecting more efficient use of capital and assets.

On a standalone basis, IDLC maintained a formidable balance sheet, with customer deposits reaching Tk11,454 crore and a total loan portfolio standing at Tk11,760 crore.

A key highlight of the first-half performance was IDLC Finance's strong asset quality. Its non-performing loan (NPL) ratio improved to 4.47% from 4.58% a year earlier, remaining well below the industry average, the company said.

The company also maintained an NPL provision coverage ratio of 112%, underscoring its prudent risk management and long-term financial resilience. Its subsidiaries—IDLC Securities, IDLC Investments and IDLC Asset Management—also made positive contributions, reinforcing the strength of the group's integrated financial platform.

Managing Director and CEO M Jamal Uddin said despite the industry's high funding costs and asset quality challenges, IDLC remained focused on maintaining a healthy balance sheet and strengthening customer relationships.

Chairman Kazi Mahmood Sattar said the improved profitability and portfolio quality had positioned the company for sustainable growth in the years ahead.

Following the disclosure of its unaudited financial statements on the Dhaka bourse on Wednesday, IDLC's shares fell 2.52% to close at Tk46.50.

United Commercial Bank (UCB) reported a 90% year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit to Tk34.04 crore in the first half of 2026, driven by stronger contributions from its subsidiaries and a sharp decline in loan-loss provisioning.

According to the bank's half-year financial statements, consolidated earnings per share (EPS) rose to Tk0.22 for the January-June period from Tk0.12 a year earlier.The bank said the improvement in EPS was largely attributable to better performance by its subsidiaries.
During the period, interest income edged up to Tk3,097 crore, while interest expenses on deposits and borrowings increased at a faster pace, rising 24% to Tk2,813 crore. As a result, net interest income fell 65% year-on-year to Tk283.72 crore.The decline in core interest income was offset by strong non-interest earnings. Income from investments – including government treasury bills, bonds and zero-coupon bonds – jumped 71% to Tk921 crore, while commission, exchange and brokerage income rose 3.3% to Tk428 crore. Other operating income, however, fell to Tk13.37 crore.

The bank also benefited from a sharp reduction in provisioning. It set aside Tk214 crore against loans during the first half, down from Tk615 crore in the corresponding period of 2025.

In the April-June quarter, UCB's consolidated net profit rose 91% year-on-year to Tk22.66 crore from Tk11.88 crore.

Quarterly EPS increased to Tk0.15 from Tk0.08 a year earlier.

Investment income surged 87.6% during the quarter to Tk552 crore, while provisioning fell sharply to Tk60.84 crore from Tk372.55 crore in the same quarter last year, supporting the improvement in profitability.

LafargeHolcim Bangladesh PLC has reported a resilient financial performance for the second quarter ended June 2026, with its net profit after tax rising by 8% year-on-year to reach Tk104.5 crore.

The multinational cement manufacturer's board today (29 July) approved the unaudited financial statements for the first half of 2026, reporting a strong second-quarter rebound despite persistent inflation and elevated energy costs.

According to the financial statements, April-June revenue rose 14% year-on-year to Tk739.7 crore from Tk646.6 crore, driven by strategic price adjustments and strong demand for the company's value-added products.
The improved performance also lifted operating earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) by 18% to Tk140.6 crore, enabling the company to maintain healthy margins despite macroeconomic headwinds.

Despite the robust second quarter, the first-half results continued to reflect the impact of earlier economic pressures. Net sales for January-June increased 3% year-on-year to Tk1,543.6 crore from Tk1,498.1 crore in the same period last year.

However, the consolidated net profit after tax for the first half fell by 8% to settle at Tk216.6 crore, and earnings per share (EPS) declined to Tk1.87 from Tk2.03 in the previous year.

Iqbal Chowdhury, chief executive officer of LafargeHolcim Bangladesh, said the company's performance reflects its strong brand equity and ability to adapt through innovation and pricing discipline.

He highlighted decisive measures to protect margins from rising gas tariffs and market volatility, including a successful energy transition through Geocycle, its waste management arm, which co-processed nearly 21,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste into alternative fuel.

Despite expecting macroeconomic volatility to persist for the rest of the year, the company remains optimistic about sustaining its industry-leading margins.

The management highlighted the specialised solution offerings, such as Holcim Water Protect and Coastal Guard, alongside the aggregates business, which has demonstrated significant volume growth and price momentum.

This segment is positioned as a high-potential driver capable of unlocking long-term value for stakeholders throughout 2026.

Confidence Infrastructure plans to raise Tk300 crore through an initial public offering (IPO) to finance electric vehicle (EV) battery production, business expansion, debt repayment and investments in new sectors, including food.

The company has appointed UCB Investment Limited as issue manager for the proposed IPO. The two companies signed the issue management agreement on Tuesday at Confidence Infrastructure's corporate headquarters in Dhaka. The agreement was signed by Imran Karim, chairman of Confidence Infrastructure, and Tanzim Alamgir, managing director and chief executive officer of UCB Investment.

Speaking to The Business Standard, Karim said the group's affiliate, Confidence Batteries Limited, currently manufactures lead-acid batteries for the automotive, industrial, telecommunications, solar power and backup power sectors. The company now plans to enter EV battery manufacturing to meet growing domestic demand, reduce import dependence and build local capabilities in advanced battery production.

The company is targeting the electric motorcycle, three-wheeler, passenger car, bus and energy storage system markets. It also plans to invest part of the IPO proceeds in modern food production, processing and supply chains as part of its strategy to diversify into high-growth sectors.

Subject to regulatory approval, UCB Investment will provide due diligence, financial and legal reviews, prospectus preparation and other IPO advisory services.

According to company officials, the IPO proceeds will finance EV battery manufacturing, new infrastructure and energy projects, debt repayment and investments in the food business.

Confidence Infrastructure reported Tk3,606 crore in consolidated revenue and Tk275 crore in net profit for FY25, with earnings per share of Tk19.92. It has a paid-up capital of Tk138.12 crore and an authorised capital of Tk500 crore.

The company operates across infrastructure development, manufacturing, storage, electricity, power generation, telecommunications and paint production. Its planned expansion into EV batteries is aimed at strengthening its position in the clean energy and future mobility market.

Confidence Group already has a listed company – Confidence Cement PLC, which has been trading on the Dhaka Stock Exchange since 1995. The cement maker recently declared a 10% cash dividend for FY25, reported Tk97 crore in net profit and was trading at around Tk69.10 per share. If approved, Confidence Infrastructure will become the group's second listed company.

Capital market analysts say large industrial IPOs have become increasingly rare, limiting investment opportunities in fundamentally strong companies. They believe Confidence Infrastructure's listing would deepen the market, while its planned investment in EV battery manufacturing could strengthen future earnings and support Bangladesh's emerging electric vehicle supply chain.

The IPO is subject to approval by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), which will review the company's audited financial statements, due diligence reports, prospectus, asset valuation and proposed use of proceeds before granting approval.

Confidence Infrastructure PLC, a member of Confidence Group, has decided to enter the capital market through an Initial Public Offering (IPO), appointing UCB Investment as the issue manager for the proposed IPO.

The company has signed an issue management agreement with UCB Investment, one of the country’s leading merchant banks, to manage its proposed IPO.

The agreement was signed at the corporate office of Confidence Infrastructure in Dhaka. Tanzim Alamgir, Managing Director and CEO of UCB Investment Limited, and Imran Karim, Chairman of Confidence Infrastructure PLC, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations, according to a press release.

Under the agreement, UCB Investment will provide comprehensive issue management and advisory services for Confidence Infrastructure’s proposed IPO.

Officials from both organisations expressed optimism that the partnership would help ensure successful execution of the IPO and support the company’s long-term growth and expansion plans.

Senior officials from UCB Investment Limited and Confidence Infrastructure PLC were present at the signing ceremony.

City Bank has reported a consolidated net profit of Tk526 crore for the first half (H1) of 2026, marking a strong improvement in financial performance compared with the same period last year.

According to the bank's price-sensitive information, its consolidated earnings per share (EPS) rose to Tk3.01 from Tk1.72 a year earlier.

Quarterly (April–June) EPS also increased to Tk1.63 from Tk1.19.

Net asset value (NAV) per share climbed to Tk37.6 from Tk35.37, while net operating cash flow per share surged to Tk44.2 from Tk13.94.

The bank attributed the higher profit primarily to increased investment income, along with stronger commission and fee income, reflecting improved profitability and operational performance during the reporting period.

Robi Axiata PLC, the country's second-largest mobile telecom operator, has reported a robust 29% year-on-year growth in consolidated net profit, reaching Tk495 crore during the first half (January-June) of 2026.

The company's board of directors approved the unaudited financial statements today (28 July), which showed that the bottom-line surge was supported by a 7% increase in total revenue, amounting to Tk5,243 crore for the six-month period.

The company's earnings per share (EPS) for the first half improved to Tk0.95.

In the second quarter alone, spanning April to June, Robi recorded a revenue of Tk2,711 crore, marking a 6% increase from the same period last year. Quarterly net profit rose by 2% to Tk262.9 crore, with an EPS of Tk0.50.

Robi, which made its debut on the Dhaka bourse in 2020, currently maintains a market capitalisation of Tk17,075 crore.

The company's shareholding structure remains heavily concentrated, with sponsors and directors holding a 90% stake, while institutional and general investors hold 3.09% and 6.91%, respectively.

For the 2025 financial year, the operator had disbursed a 17.50% cash dividend following a net profit of Tk937 crore.

Robi's shares closed at Tk32.60 on the Dhaka Stock Exchange today.

BRAC Bank PLC reported a 57% year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit for the first half of 2026, supported by higher net interest income and investment income.

According to the bank's unaudited financial statements, approved at a board meeting held today (28 July), consolidated net profit after tax rose to Tk1,423 crore during the January-June period.

The bank's consolidated earnings per share (EPS) stood at Tk5.07, while its consolidated net asset value (NAV) per share increased to Tk49.38 as of 30 June 2026, up from Tk44.84 a year earlier.

The bank's performance strengthened further in the second quarter.

For the April-June period, consolidated net profit climbed 73% year-on-year to Tk727.74 crore, while second-quarter EPS stood at Tk2.55.

BRAC Bank said the strong earnings growth was primarily driven by increased net interest income and investment income.

Speaking to The Business Standard, BRAC Bank Managing Director and CEO Tareq Refat Ullah Khan said the bank currently manages a combined fund of nearly Tk1.70 lakh crore, including deposits and assets.

"Our portfolio is expanding every year," he said.

"Over the past year, our deposits grew by nearly 25%, surpassing Tk95,000 crore. During the same period, our assets expanded by around 18%, crossing Tk76,000 crore. In other words, BRAC Bank has achieved growth well above the market average in both deposits and assets."

He added that the bank's operational efficiency had improved significantly, reducing its cost-to-income ratio from 48% to 42%.

The bank also expanded its business across its corporate, SME and retail segments, strengthening its balance sheet.

Khan said the bank's non-performing loan (NPL) ratio declined to 2.03% from 2.27% over the past six months.

"The combined effect of all these factors has driven our profit growth," he said.

Market analysts attributed the strong first-half performance to BRAC Bank's continued leadership in the SME lending segment, strategic expansion of its digital banking operations and efficient management of interest margins despite a challenging macroeconomic environment.

The bank has also remained a preferred choice for local and foreign institutional investors due to its strong corporate governance and asset quality.

BRAC Bank became the first local private commercial bank to post an annual net profit of more than Tk2,000 crore in 2025. Its latest half-yearly results indicate that the lender remains on track to deliver another record financial performance by the end of 2026.

Two open-ended mutual funds managed by VIPB Asset Management Company Limited have announced cash dividends for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2026 after posting strong returns.

At a trustee meeting held yesterday (27 July), the board of trustees approved a 5% cash dividend for the VIPB SEBL 1st Unit Fund and a 4% cash dividend for the VIPB NLI 1st Unit Fund.

According to a press release, both funds delivered robust performance despite market volatility.

The VIPB SEBL 1st Unit Fund generated a total return of 19.3% during FY26, comprising 14.3% growth in net asset value (NAV) and a 5% cash dividend.

The VIPB NLI 1st Unit Fund posted a total return of 19.8%, driven by 15.8% NAV growth and a 4% dividend payout.

The Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) serves as the trustee and custodian of both funds.

Southeast Bank PLC is the sponsor of the VIPB SEBL 1st Unit Fund, while National Life Insurance PLC sponsors the VIPB NLI 1st Unit Fund.

VIPB Asset Management said both funds were among the first in Bangladesh's mutual fund industry to successfully transition from closed-ended to open-ended structures.

The VIPB SEBL 1st Unit Fund, launched in 2011 as the Southeast Bank 1st Mutual Fund, was converted to an open-ended fund in 2021 after 99.23% of unit holders voted in favour of the move.

The VIPB NLI 1st Unit Fund, introduced in 2012, was converted in 2022 with 99.93% support from unit holders.

The asset manager said the funds' performance was driven by a disciplined asset allocation strategy focused on concentrated investments in undervalued blue-chip equities, treasury bonds and high-quality corporate bonds to maximise risk-adjusted returns.

"VIPB Asset Management remains dedicated to value investing, rigorous risk management and strong corporate governance," the company said, adding that it remains committed to creating long-term value for investors while maintaining its fiduciary responsibilities.

The country's capital market witnessed a strong bullish surge today (28 July) as the benchmark index reclaimed the psychological threshold of 5,900 points after a gap of two weeks.

Driven by a wave of bargain hunting and renewed investor confidence, market participation saw a significant spike, with daily turnover jumping by 45% to reach Tk1,261 crore. The broad DSEX index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) rose by 60 points, or 1.03%, to settle the session at exactly 5,900.

According to the daily market review by EBL Securities, the capital market extended its upward trajectory for a second consecutive session. The rally was primarily fueled by a perceived pause in retaliatory actions in the Middle East conflict and high expectations of favourable sector-specific earnings during the ongoing disclosure season.

While the market opened with steady gains, broad-based buying interest gained significant traction after the mid-session as renewed accumulation in the majority of scrips propelled the benchmark higher, said EBL Securities.

Sheltech Brokerage Limited noted that the day's performance was largely shaped by sustained buying interest supported by latest quarterly earnings announcements from December-closing companies that surpassed market expectations.

Although the market traded within a narrow range during the early hours, momentum strengthened around the mid-session, lifting the DSEX to an intraday high of 5,909.79 points. Despite a bout of orderly profit-taking that emerged late in the day, the buying pressure remained sufficiently strong to absorb the sell-offs, allowing the index to retain the bulk of its gains, it added.

The blue-chip segment also mirrored the positive sentiment, with the DS30 index gaining 17 points to close at 2,219.

Market breadth was overwhelmingly positive, as 284 issues managed to advance compared to only 60 that declined, while 49 scrips remained unchanged on the DSE floor.

On the liquidity front, Dominage Steel emerged as the most traded stock, followed by Saiham Cotton, ITC, Sharp Industries, and Indo-Bangla Pharmaceuticals.

Individual stock performance was highlighted by FAS Finance and New Line Clothings, both of which hit the 10% upper circuit limit. Other top gainers included Argon Denims, Dominage Steel, and Acme Pesticides.

On the flip side, AIBL First Mutual Fund, Shyampur Sugar, and Zeal Bangla Sugar were among the few losers of the session.

The bullish sentiment was mirrored at the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), where the Selective Categories' Index (CSCX) ended 78 points higher at 9,595 and the CASPI rose 134 points to reach 15,738. Notably, turnover at the port city bourse witnessed a massive 287% jump, settling at Tk64.48 crore.

Bata Shoe Company (Bangladesh) Ltd has reported a stellar financial performance for the second quarter of 2026, navigating a complex retail landscape to deliver a staggering 238% year-on-year growth in net profit.

Despite persistent macroeconomic challenges, including high inflation and reduced operating hours for retail outlets, the company successfully transitioned from a loss-making position last year to a robust profitable one this year, according to the company's press release.

According to the company's unaudited financial statements for the April-June 2026 quarter, approved during a board of directors meeting today (27 July), the multinational footwear major recorded a total revenue of Tk188.98 crore. This represents a healthy 19% increase compared to the Tk158.8 crore earned during the same period in 2025.

The most significant highlight, however, was the bottom-line turnaround. While the company had incurred a net loss of Tk9.64 crore in the second quarter of the previous year, it posted a net profit of Tk12.6 crore in the recently concluded quarter.

The company's half-yearly performance also reflected a strong upward trajectory. For the first six months of 2026 (January-June), Bata reported a consolidated revenue of Tk568.68 crore, marking a 10% growth on a year-on-year basis. The net profit after tax for the first half reached Tk50.4 crore, representing an 86% increase over the Tk27.2 crore recorded during the first half of 2025. Consequently, the earnings per share (EPS) for the six-month period improved significantly to Tk36.87, up from Tk19.87 in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Bata Bangladesh attributed this sustained growth momentum to the focused execution of business strategies and effective management of operating expenses.

The management noted that the business demonstrated remarkable resilience despite global geopolitical uncertainties, seasonal market volatility, and a general slowdown in domestic economic activity. A key factor in this success was the timing of the major religious festivals. With Eid-ul-Fitr falling in the first quarter and Eid-ul-Adha in the second, the company was able to capitalise on heightened consumer demand through integrated marketing campaigns and the timely launch of several new product collections.

These commercial initiatives, paired with disciplined cost management and operational efficiencies, served as the primary drivers of profitability throughout the first half of the year, said the company in its statement.

However, the path to recovery was not without hurdles. The company pointed out that persistent food inflation, which exceeded 10% during the period, continued to squeeze consumer purchasing power and restricted discretionary spending on non-essential items like high-end footwear. Additionally, the government-imposed retail closing hour of 7pm, introduced as an energy conservation measure, reduced the effective trading time for retail outlets across the country, limiting potential sales opportunities during peak evening hours.

Despite these constraints, the company expressed optimism about its long-term prospects. The management reaffirmed its commitment to a strategy centred on innovation and operational excellence to create value for both customers and shareholders.

Bata has been a household name in Bangladesh since 1962, operating as a subsidiary of Bafin (Nederland) BV, which holds a 70% stake. With two manufacturing units in Tongi and Dhamrai producing 1,60,000 pairs of shoes daily and selling nearly three crore pairs annually, the company remains a cornerstone of the local footwear industry.

Bata's share price rose by 0.91% to close at Tk898.60 on the Dhaka Stock Exchange yesterday, bringing its total market capitalisation to Tk1,229.28 crore.

Linde Bangladesh PLC, a multinational company listed on the country's stock exchanges, reported a 3.67% year-on-year increase in net profit for the first half of 2026, supported by a higher gross margin despite weaker second-quarter earnings.

According to its financial statements approved by the board of directors today (27 July), the company's revenue rose 12% year-on-year to Tk121.87 crore in the January-June period, while net profit increased to Tk19.45 crore. Earnings per share (EPS) stood at Tk12.78, up from the corresponding period last year.

Explaining the changes in its financial performance, the company said the increase in EPS was driven by a higher gross margin, partly offset by one-off other income recognised in the same period last year.

Net asset value (NAV) per share rose to Tk213.09 as of 30 June 2026, from Tk201.66 a year earlier, while net operating cash flow per share climbed to Tk17.71 from Tk4.08.

The company attributed the increase in NAV to profits earned during the period, partially offset by dividend payments.

However, second-quarter performance was weaker. Although revenue rose 16.68% year-on-year to Tk62.67 crore in the April-June quarter from Tk53.71 crore a year earlier, net profit fell 21% to Tk8.46 crore.

Linde Bangladesh's shares closed 1.34% higher at Tk736 on the Dhaka Stock Exchange today.

People's Insurance Company Limited posted a sharp increase in earnings for the second quarter of 2026, driven by higher interest income, rental income and other operating income.

According to a disclosure filed with the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) yesterday (26 July), the listed non-life insurer reported earnings per share (EPS) of Tk1.64 for the April-June quarter, up from Tk0.86 in the same period last year, marking a year-on-year increase of about 91%.

For the January-June period, EPS rose to Tk2.93, compared with Tk1.49 in the same period last year, representing a 97% year-on-year increase.

The company said the improved earnings were driven by higher interest income, rental income and other operating income during the period.

Its net operating cash flow per share increased to Tk2.68 in the first six months of 2026 from Tk1.66 a year earlier.

Meanwhile, net asset value (NAV) per share rose to Tk40.88 as of 30 June 2026, from Tk36.30 a year earlier, indicating a stronger financial position.

Following the earnings announcement, People's Insurance shares gained 4.9% to close at Tk59.90 on the Dhaka Stock Exchange today (27 July).

The earnings growth comes as Bangladesh's insurance sector gradually recovers amid regulatory efforts to strengthen governance, improve claims settlement and restore investor confidence. While many insurers continue to grapple with weak underwriting margins and sluggish premium growth, stronger investment returns have helped boost the profitability of several companies.

Established in 1985, People's Insurance Company is one of Bangladesh's oldest private-sector non-life insurers. It offers a range of general insurance products, including fire, marine, motor, engineering and miscellaneous insurance, serving both corporate and individual clients.

The company operates through an extensive branch network across the country and relies on a combination of underwriting and investment income to support its profitability.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) has expanded its electronic subscription system (ESS) by introducing a new "Private Investor (PI)" category, allowing general investors to participate in the primary subscription of various financial instruments.

Previously, the ESS platform was restricted to eligible investors and qualified investors. With the addition of the PI category, individual retail investors, registered institutions, and funds can now invest in privately offered bonds, open-end mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and equity approved by regulatory authorities.

The premier bourse shared this development during an awareness workshop conducted via the Zoom platform today (27 July). Representatives from merchant banks, asset management companies, and brokerage houses participated in the session.

According to the Dhaka Stock officials, any individual or registered institution can sign up under the PI category. For individual investors, only a national identification card and a valid bank account are required. For institutions or funds, a registration certificate and bank account are mandatory. Notably, the DSE has waived any registration fees for those enrolling as private investors.

During the workshop, speakers highlighted the registration and subscription processes, data requirements, and the technical aspects of using the digital platform.

They noted that this initiative will significantly expand alternative investment opportunities for general investors beyond traditional equity. It is also expected to play a crucial role in building a transparent, digital investment environment while paving the way for a more diversified range of financial products in the country's capital market.

The country's premier bourse returned to positive territory today (27 July), snapping a three-day corrective spell as bargain hunters moved in to scoop up attractively valued shares.

The benchmark DSEX index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) jumped 55 points, or 0.95%, to settle at 5,839. This rally not only ended the recent losing streak but also pushed the total market capitalisation back to the psychological milestone of Tk7 lakh crore, adding approximately Tk3,000 crore in a single day.

Market participation showed a healthy uptick, with daily turnover rising by 12% to reach Tk872 crore.

According to EBL Securities' daily market review, the recovery was driven by renewed buying as investors responded positively to a brief pause in retaliatory actions linked to the Middle East conflict.

Moreover, anticipation surrounding favourable financial results for the ongoing earnings season encouraged broad-based accumulation, providing a much-needed respite to investor sentiment.

While the market maintained a strong upward trajectory, analysts noted that persistent nationwide gas supply disruptions and lingering anxiety over proposed amendments to margin lending rules kept some investors in a cautious "wait-and-see" mode.

Sheltech Brokerage Limited observed that the day's performance was characterised by strong buying momentum from the opening bell, which lifted the benchmark index to an intraday high of 5,851 points.

Although the market briefly consolidated in the middle of the session as investors booked profits, buying resumed during the final hour of trading, allowing the market to finish firmly in positive territory. Investors are now focusing on the finalisation of regulatory reforms and remaining Q4 earnings to gauge whether this recovery can last.

The market closed with broad-based gains, with 299 issues advancing, 53 declining and 39 remaining unchanged. The blue-chip DS30 index also gained 15 points to close at 2,201.

On the sectoral front, textiles accounted for the largest share of turnover at 22.8%, followed by pharmaceuticals at 12.4% and engineering at 11.1%.

In terms of returns, the jute and mutual fund sectors led the gainers, both posting a 3.3% increase, while the travel and leisure segment gained 2.4%.

Individual stock performance featured several "junk" and small-cap stocks at the top of the gainers' list. Ring Shine Textile hit the 10% upper circuit breaker, followed closely by Deshbandhu Polymer, Far Chemical, and New Line Clothings.

On the flip side, Nurani Dyeing emerged as the top loser, shedding 3.22%, followed by Queen South Textile and Yeakin Polymer. Heavyweight Beximco also saw a marginal price dip of 1.70%.

The positive sentiment was also reflected on the Chittagong Stock Exchange, where the broad CASPI index climbed 125 points to close at 15,604. Notably, the port city bourse witnessed a dramatic 223% surge in trading activity, with turnover reaching Tk16.66 crore.

Most listed general insurance companies posted higher earnings in the first half of 2026, with eight of nine insurers reporting year-on-year growth in earnings per share (EPS), according to their unaudited financial disclosures published on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) website today (26 July).

Some insurers recorded more than double-digit growth, with Global Insurance leading the sector with a 121% increase in half-yearly earnings.

Global Insurance's EPS rose to Tk1.48 in January-June 2026, up from Tk0.67 in the same period a year earlier.

Peoples Insurance posted the second-highest growth, with its EPS rising 97% to Tk2.93, while Takaful Insurance reported an 86% increase to Tk1.38.

Among the major players, Pioneer Insurance recorded a 43% year-on-year rise in EPS to Tk3.01 from Tk2.10 a year earlier.

Central Insurance and Prime Insurance each posted 12% growth in EPS, reaching Tk1.03 and Tk1.30, respectively.

Union Insurance reported an 8% increase in EPS to Tk1.23, while Rupali Insurance posted a marginal 1% rise to Tk0.71.

Sonar Bangla Insurance was the only insurer among the nine to report a decline in earnings. Its EPS fell 42% to Tk0.52 in the first half of 2026, from Tk0.89 in the corresponding period of 2025.

Market analysts attributed the overall improvement in insurers' earnings to stronger premium collection and higher returns from investment portfolios during the first six months of the year.

A delegation of Bangladesh Capital Market Investors Association (BCIA) met Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Chairman Masud Khan at the commission’s office on Sunday and placed an 11-point recommendation aimed at stabilising the capital market and restoring the confidence of local and foreign investors.

Handing over a letter to the BSEC Chairman, BCIA President Kazi Mohammad Nazrul said the country’s capital market has been passing through an acute crisis due to what he said 15 years of plunder and mismanagement under the previous Awami League government along the incompetence of the Khondoker Rashed Maqsood-led commission formed during the interim government’s tenure, reports UNB.

He expressed confidence that under Masud Khan’s leadership, the newly constituted commission would be able to steer the market towards stability and open a new chapter for the economy.

On the draft margin rules recently published by the commission, the BCIA said the proposed framework creates disparity in the distribution of loans against different shares, and demanded that the margin loan amount be made uniform across all listed securities.

The association also called for listing state-owned enterprises and multinational companies on the bourses within the next three months, with 80 percent of IPO shares reserved for general investors, application amounts capped at Tk 5,000, and the lottery-based allotment system reinstated.

Referring to Dhaka Stock Exchange’s recent move placing 62 companies under its “red zone” and issuing cautionary notices to investors, the BCIA said that before any of these companies are delisted, they should first be given two years to restructure.

It further recommended that directors of such companies be required to buy back all shares held by general investors at either the market price or the issue price, whichever is higher, before delisting proceeds.

The association pointed out that unlike most global bourses which are institution-driven, Bangladesh’s market is dominated by retail investors, who account for roughly 80 percent of participation.

It therefore urged that investor representatives be given a greater say in market governance, with coordination meetings between the commission and general investors’ representatives held four times a year.

Among other demands, the BCIA sought the introduction of a real-time monitoring system to instantly detect abnormal transactions and manipulative trading, along with punitive action against offenders.

It also proposed a special Tk 10,000 crore fund at 3 percent interest to boost market liquidity, to be channelled through ICB and various brokerage houses so that general investors can access loans at 5 percent interest for investment.

The association further demanded that mutual funds, described as the “lifeblood” of the market, be made to remain active, with each fund required to invest at least 80 percent of its assets in the market. Rather than extending the tenure of closed-end funds, it recommended converting them into open-end funds.

On corporate governance, the BCIA said listed companies frequently resort to irregularities and malpractice in their financial reporting, and called for implementation of the Financial Reporting Act, 2015 to ensure a transparent and accountable market.

It also pressed for the long-pending buy-back law to finally be enforced, noting that successive governments and commissions had promised but failed to implement it.

The association additionally proposed scrapping the existing categorisation of listed companies into A, B, N and Z categories, arguing that the classification creates unfair distinctions among shares.

Instead, it suggested introducing a rating-based system, such as A1, A2, A3 and A4, to help investors gauge the relative strength of companies.

BCIA said most investors in Bangladesh’s capital market lack adequate knowledge about the market and often fall victim to misinformation and rumours, resulting in financial losses.

It called for arrangements to introduce internationally recognised certification for financial advisers to guide general investors.

“We hope the chairman will look favourably on implementing our 11-point recommendations to build a developed and prosperous capital market,” the BCIA president said.

The country's premier bourse extended its losing streak for a third consecutive session today (26 July), as a combination of domestic energy concerns and global geopolitical instability continued to weigh heavily on investor sentiment.

The persistent downturn has significantly eroded market value, pushing the Dhaka Stock Exchange's (DSE) total market capitalisation below the psychological threshold of Tk7 lakh crore for the first time in recent weeks.

The benchmark DSEX index fell 19 points, or 0.34%, to close at 5,784. Over the past three trading sessions, the broad index has lost a cumulative 114 points, marking a sharp reversal from the bullish momentum seen the previous week.

The blue-chip DS30 index followed a similar trajectory, edging down by 6 points to close at 2,186.

The market breadth remained overwhelmingly bearish as 240 issues declined compared to 116 that managed to advance, while 33 scrips remained unchanged on the DSE floor.

Market participation also saw a notable contraction, with daily turnover dropping by 17% to stand at Tk780 crore, down from the previous session's volume.

The three-day slump has wiped out approximately Tk8,500 crore from the bourse's market valuation, dragging the total market capitalisation down to Tk6.98 lakh crore.

According to the daily market review by EBL Securities, the capital bourse remained in a corrective phase as lingering concerns over potential gas supply disruptions to industrial units and heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East kept investors cautious.

Persistent uncertainty surrounding the proposed amendments to margin lending rules further dampened sentiment, preventing investors from taking fresh positions in fundamentally strong stocks.

The trading session was volatile from the opening bell. Although investors remained active on both the buying and selling sides, a late sell-off in several large-cap stocks during the final hour dragged the indices back into negative territory.

In a rare divergence from the broader market weakness, the general insurance sector attracted renewed buying interest, driven by selective accumulation following the release of positive earnings reports from several companies, EBL Securities added.

On the sectoral front, the textile sector led trading, accounting for 19.2% of the day's total turnover, followed by general insurance at 11% and pharmaceuticals at 10.4%.

Most sectors ended in negative territory, with mutual funds suffering the sharpest decline of 2.2%, followed by ceramics and financial institutions.

In contrast, general insurance was the best-performing sector, gaining 2.9%, while the services and food sectors also posted modest gains.

Among individual stocks, Bangladesh National Insurance topped the gainers with a 9.96% surge, followed by ML Dyeing, BD Thai Food and Aamra Technologies.

CAPM IBBL Mutual Fund was the day's biggest loser, plunging 9.02%, followed by Fareast Life Insurance, Meghna Pet and National Housing.

The bearish sentiment was even more pronounced at the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), where the Selective Categories' Index (CSCX) dropped by 91 points to close at 9,444 and the broad CASPI index plunged by 141 points to settle at 15,478.

Trading activity at the port city bourse saw a catastrophic decline, with turnover plummeting by 74% to reach a meagre Tk5.15 crore.

The securities regulator has extended the deadline for listed companies to appoint at least one female independent director to their boards by one year, to December 2026, after many firms said they were struggling to find qualified candidates.

In a directive issued on Sunday, the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) revised the compliance deadline for the requirement under the Corporate Governance Code, 2018, from December 2025 to December 2026.

The extension follows requests from listed companies and market stakeholders, who cited difficulties in identifying eligible and qualified female professionals to serve as independent directors within the stipulated timeframe.

The requirement, stipulated under Condition 1(2)(a) of the Corporate Governance Code, mandates every listed company to appoint at least one female independent director as part of efforts to strengthen corporate governance, board diversity and independent oversight.

According to the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), more than 100 listed companies had yet to comply with the provision as of June this year.

A BSEC official said the requirement remains an important component of the Corporate Governance Code. However, considering the practical challenges faced by companies and their requests, the commission decided to grant additional time for compliance.

The directive also instructed the Dhaka Stock Exchange and the Chittagong Stock Exchange to immediately notify all listed companies and relevant stakeholders of the revised deadline to facilitate timely complisance.

Bank Asia PLC's consolidated earnings per share (EPS) fell 16% year-on-year to Tk1.77 in the first half of 2026, from Tk2.11 a year earlier, mainly due to higher interest expenses and lower investment and fee-based income.

The bank's board approved its financial statements for the January-June period on Thursday, according to the lender's price-sensitive information published on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) website.

Bank Asia said the decline in EPS was primarily driven by an increase in interest expenses compared with interest income, along with lower investment income and reduced commission, exchange and brokerage income.

On a consolidated basis, the bank's net asset value (NAV) per share stood at Tk26.92 at the end of June 2026, up from Tk24.33 at the same time last year.

Its net operating cash flow per share also increased to Tk48.77 in the first half of 2026, compared with Tk37.60 a year earlier.

Explaining the rise in NAV, Bank Asia said it was mainly due to growth in shareholders' equity, driven by an increase in paid-up capital and statutory reserves, as well as the transfer of startup funds from other liabilities.

The increase in net operating cash flow was mainly due to higher cash inflows from deposits and borrowings, the bank said.

In 2025, Bank Asia reported a profit of Tk407.25 crore, with EPS of Tk3.18.

The bank paid a 17% dividend for 2025, comprising an 8.5% cash dividend and an 8.5% stock dividend to shareholders.

On Thursday, Bank Asia shares closed at Tk18.50 each on the Dhaka Stock Exchange.