Following the general elections, Bangladesh’s stock market has shown a significant uptick. In the two days leading up to the polls, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) rose by 82 and 87 points, respectively. Bangladeshi media report that investors are optimistic after the country found a political resolution following a period of prolonged uncertainty. Market analysts suggest the upward trend could continue.
Currently, the DSE Index stands at 5,399.94 points. After the global stock market rally in 2021 following the COVID-19 pandemic, the DSE had reached around 7,400 points before entering a downward trend. The market sharply declined after a revolt forced then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee the country. In August 2024, Hasina had sought refuge in India, during which the DSE hovered around 6,000 points. The interim government led by Yunus created uncertainty about whether elections could be held, further pushing the index down to 4,600 points. Following the recent elections, market sentiment has improved.
In the Thursday general election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won a majority. With this outcome, Tarique Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and BNP chairman, is set to become the next Prime Minister. Out of 299 seats, BNP secured 165 seats, with Rahman winning in both constituencies he contested. Rahman had returned to Bangladesh last December after 17 years in exile.
Similar to Bangladesh, Nepal’s stock market experienced a sharp decline after the Jan G Jan (Jana Andolan) revolt in Bhadra. With elections scheduled for Falgun 21, investors in Nepal are increasingly confident as the government led by Shushila Karki appears likely to complete the elections on time. Analysts expect that a clear political mandate following the election could boost investor sentiment, potentially leading to a positive impact on Nepal’s stock market as well.
This article was originally published on https://bajarkochirfar.com. Translated with the help of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
