With rising financial awareness and easier digital access, more Bangladeshis are looking to invest in the capital market — a gateway to building long-term wealth through shares, bonds, and mutual funds. But before you can start trading, you must take the first step: opening an investment account.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to open an account to invest in Bangladesh’s capital market, including the documents needed, the process, and a few things to keep in mind.
Step 1: Understand the Types of Accounts You Need
To invest in the stock market in Bangladesh, you need two key accounts:
- BO Account (Beneficiary Owner Account)
- This is the most important account for investors. It holds your shares in electronic form, since Bangladesh follows a fully paperless trading system.
- Every investor must have a BO account to buy or sell securities.
- Trading Account
- This account is provided by your broker and is used to place buy and sell orders on the stock exchange.
- Most brokerage firms will help you open both accounts together, so you don’t need to do them separately.
Step 2: Choose a Licensed Stockbroker or Merchant Bank
You can’t open a BO account directly — you must go through a BSEC-licensed broker or merchant bank.
When choosing one, consider:
- Their reputation and customer service
- Availability of online/mobile trading platforms
- Fees and commissions
- Research and advisory services
Popular brokers in Bangladesh include:
- LankaBangla Securities
- IDLC Securities
- EBL Securities
- City Brokerage
- BRAC EPL Stock Brokerage
- UCB Stock Brokerage
Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents
For individuals opening a BO account, you will need:
- National ID (NID) of the applicant
- One passport-size photograph of the applicant
- Taxpayer's Identification Number (TIN) Certificate (optional — but highly recommended, to get lower witholding rates on dividend)
- Bank account proof — either a canceled cheque leaf or recent bank statement
- National ID (NID) of the nominee
- One passport-size photograph of the nominee
For Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs):
- Valid passport and visa
- NITA (Non-Resident Investor’s Taka Account) opened with a Bangladeshi bank
- Remittance documents
- Recent photographs and ID (NID/birth certificate if available)
Some brokers may also require you to sign a nominee declaration or risk disclosure form.
Step 4: Fill Out the Forms and Submit
Visit your broker’s office, or use their website if they offer online onboarding, to:
- Fill out and sign the BO and trading account forms
- Submit the required documents
- Pay the account opening fee (currently Tk 450 for a BO account)
The broker will then verify your documents and forward them to the Central Depository Bangladesh Ltd. (CDBL) for registration.
Step 5: Activate Your Online Trading Access
Once your BO and trading accounts are ready (usually within 1–3 working days), your broker will:
- Open your trading account
- Provide login credentials for their trading platform
- Give you access to live market data
- Offer tutorials or guidance for new investors
From there, you’re ready to explore the market — tracking share prices, placing orders, and monitoring your portfolio directly from your phone or computer.
Step 6: Know the Rules Before You Start Trading
Before placing your first trade, be aware of the market rules:
- Trading hours: Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- Settlement cycle: A, B, G, and N category shares can be sold after T+2 days, while Z category shares can be sold after T+3 days.
- Lot size: You can now buy as little as one share (no fixed minimum lot size for most securities)
Also, learn the basics of analyzing companies and avoid common mistakes like chasing rumors, panic selling, or herd behavior.
Just The Beginning
Opening an account to invest in Bangladesh’s capital market is straightforward. With just a few documents and a Tk 450 fee, you can get started in as little as one working day.
But remember: opening the account is only the beginning. Long-term success depends on discipline, patience, and being well-informed. Whether your goal is to grow wealth, diversify your savings, or simply explore how the market works, the first step starts with your BO and trading accounts.
And now, you know exactly how to take it.
