Chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Shibli Rubayat-Ul-Islam has said investment in mutual funds is much more profitable than the fixed deposits in banks.
“The clients can now get 5 to 6 per cent interests on their bank deposits, but on the other hand, investments in mutual funds and in some shares is much more profitable. Mutual funds in the country now have the capacity to give 10 to 18 per cent dividend,” he said.
The BSEC chief gave the information in his address at the inaugural function of a personal finance-related online portal ‘Amar Taka’ and also at the inauguration of a financial literacy programme on Tuesday, reports BSS.
He suggested the investors, who do not have enough knowledge about the capital market, to invest in mutual funds instead of shares.
“Our mutual fund sector is very much promising. Although there was a lack of transparency in this sector in the past, the BSEC is trying to enhance transparency and accountability in the mutual fund,” he said.
He mentioned that the BSEC is working with the public and private sector to make bonds popular as an alternate sector for investment while efforts are going on to bring Sukuk bond in the market.
“If these come to the market, the returns will be good as the investors would need not to pay taxes for making investments here. We’re bringing newer savings products which will benefit people,” he added.
The BSEC Chairman claimed that prior to her joining as the BSEC boss, the market capital was around Taka 3.0 trillion, but now the market capital has increased to around Taka 4.0 trillion.
Noting that the Bangladesh Bank is helping towards development of the Capital Market, Shibli said steps have been taken to address the negative equity problem in the capital market.
“Bangladesh Bank can come up with a low-interest fund and this will enhance the investment capacity of the merchant banks. Side by side, the state-owned ICB can play a stronger role to stabilise the capital market,”
He also urged the authorities concerned to look into the matter whether the local insurance companies can make insurance of bonds. He also called upon the authorities concerned for introducing first-party insurance system after withdrawing the 3rd party insurance system which will increase the income of the companies.
Insurance Development Regulatory Authority (IDRA) Chairman Dr M Mosharraf Hossain while addressing as a special guest said they have taken steps to reduce the cost of the insurance companies.
“Earlier, the expenditure of insurance companies was 65-70 per cent. We have taken steps to bring down such expenditure at 15 per cent for which a good reaction is being seen among the shares of the insurance companies,”
Bangladesh Institute of Capital Market (BICM) Executive President Prof Dr Mahmuda Akhter graced the function as the guest of honour while former President of CFA Society Bangladesh Shahidul Islam made the key-note presentation. The programme was chaired by ‘Amar Taka’ Editor Ziaur Rahman.