Dhaka, Aug. 18 -- As Bangladesh strives for upper-middle-income status, a robust and transparent capital market is not merely desirable-it is indispensable.

A Functional Market Is Critical to National Growth

A well-functioning stock exchange plays a crucial role for mobilizing savings, fostering innovation, supporting private businesses, and reducing the burden on public funds. However, it still faces hurdles like low liquidity, unclear practices and long-standing investor distrust-particularly stemming from the 2010 market crash-continue to hold the sector back.

A Legacy That Still Lingers

The 2010 crash exposed fundamental flaws rather than being solely a financial event. Rampant insider trading, unchecked stock manipulation, and re...