DHAKA, Nov 20, 2025 (BSS) - The Chittagong Stock Exchange PLC (CSE) organized a significant discussion aimed at the potential launch of a commodity exchange in Bangladesh. 

 The discussion on “Launching Commodity Exchange in Bangladesh," the event took place on Tuesday at Hotel Sheraton in the city and was attended by the managing directors and chairmen of the country's first-tier banks.

The meeting, which included the presence of high-ranking officials such as former Commerce Minister and CSE Founder President Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury as chief guest and former CSE President MKM Mohiuddin as special guest, underscored the importance of integrating this new financial instrument into the economy. 

CSE Chairman AKM Habibur Rahman, Directors Professor Dr. Md. Saifullah Islam and Dr. Mahmud Hasan, among others, were also present.

Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that the Bangladeshi capital market has not yet reached its intended destination. 

He highlighted the issue that banks often conduct long-term lending using short-term loans, despite the capital market being the natural domain for long-term investment.

He stressed the need for product diversification to inject economic dynamism. 

He asserted that the economy will become more structured as quickly as new products, including bonds and commodities, are introduced. 

He urged the bank representatives present to take the lead and participate actively in establishing this new market, describing the investment as a ‘new window’ on their balance sheets. 

The former minister also noted that Bangladeshi citizens residing abroad are keen to invest in favorable new initiatives within the country. 

He concluded that the derivatives market offers immense potential that can significantly contribute to economic dynamism.

In his welcome speech, AKM Habibur Rahman stated that the commodity exchange represents a completely new concept for Bangladesh and a new asset class for the capital market. 

He emphasized that infrastructural development within the nation's commodity ecosystem would facilitate the formation of a sophisticated market structure. 

This, in turn, is expected to result in a regulated and inclusive commodity derivatives market, offering benefits such as price discovery and hedging facilities, thereby creating new investments. 

The Chairman noted that this initiative is expected to play a positive role for both institutional and general investors.
Major (Retd.) Mdadul Islam, during his address, recalled the former dynamic role of Amir Khosru in the establishment of CSE and the development of the capital market. 

He characterized the discussion session as a form of sensitization meeting.

MKM Mohiuddin praised the "preparation and resolve" of the CSE team, noting that their self-assurance was visible, indicating that they had completed all necessary preparations for establishing the commodity exchange. 

He encouraged all stakeholders to recognize that since the commodity exchange concept is new, learning and understanding are essential, making the initial commencement vital. 

Recalling CSE’s history of pioneering initiatives, such as automation, internet trading, SAFE, and CDBL, he welcomed this new initiative and called upon relevant stakeholders, especially banks, to step forward as pivotal participants.

Abdul Hai Sarkar, Chairman of Dhaka Bank, supported the initiative, noting that although a previous attempt to launch a commodity market had occurred, it had not been established. 

He welcomed the CSE’s brave endeavor, expressing confidence that this new market, which plays a highly important role globally, is expected to contribute to the overall economic development of Bangladesh.

CSE Director Mohammad Nasir Uddin Chowdhury underscored that banks must play a crucial role, not only by cooperating with their subsidiary stockbrokers but also for the purpose of business expansion and diversification.

Stakeholders and speakers at the meeting engaged in detailed discussions about the potential business facilities and opportunities offered by the commodity derivatives exchange platform. 

They shared global experiences and emphasized the necessity of transparency, structured governance, and risk management in forming the derivatives market, which is highly relevant to the Bangladeshi context. 

Participants expressed their readiness for active participation in this new asset class, which is anticipated to be a significant economic driver.