Bangladesh, Aug. 19 -- The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) turnover has crossed Tk 10 billion as Tk 2 billion worth of shares from pharmaceutical and chemical companies changed hands.

Despite the surge, the benchmark index and overall market capitalisation fell.

The DSE's market cap dropped by Tk 49.88 billion compared to the previous day, settling at Tk 7.11 trillion, down from Tk 7.16 trillion. The fall came after four straight days of gains totalling Tk 77.05 billion.

Trading began with an upward trend, but by 11am the index had slipped 13 points to 5,406. Buying interest lifted it again to 5,434 around 12:45pm, adding 26 points from the previous day.

However, late selling pressure erased those gains and the DSE closed 9 points lower at...