Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) - The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and small investors have protested the finance minister's comment that the stock market is an 'evil market'.
“It's an evil market. I won't comment on it,” Finance Minister AMA Muhith, on Monday reportedly said in parliament, during the passage of the supplementary budget for the outgoing fiscal year. But Mr. Muhith did not explain why it is an evil market.
DSE leaders said the stock market has been largely contributing to industrialization of the country while banks and financial institutions are meeting the requirement of Basel-I and Basel-II through the capital market.
Reacting to the uncharitable remarks of the finance minister, DSE senior vice-president Ahmad Rashid Lali at a press briefing on Tuesday said, "All the stakeholders of the stock market are shocked at the comment of the finance minister. We strongly protest this. Such comment from a key responsible position was not expected."
DSE President Rakibur Rahman said the stock market is a sensitive market, so any negative comment will influence the market negatively.
Small investors, under the banner of Bangladesh Share Investors' Association (BSIA), also protested the minister's remark.
They staged a demonstration in front of DSE and shouted slogans against Mr. Muhith.
Mizanur Rashid Chowdhury, president of BSIA, said: “The minister's comment has upset us, as he is our guardian.”
BBN/SSR/AD-13June12-10:10 am (BST)
