The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) on Sunday suffered its steepest single-day fall in five months as mounting concerns over the ongoing gas and electricity crisis intensified selling pressure across the market.
The DSEX, the benchmark index of the DSE, plunged 103.6 points, or 1.86 per cent, to close at 5,558, extending its losing streak to a second consecutive session.
The decline pushed the index to a two-and-a-half-month low, reflecting growing investor concerns over the impact of the prolonged energy crisis on corporate operations and earnings.
The latest fall was the sharpest since April 5, 2026, when the DSEX dropped 2.1 per cent in a single session.
The market came under selling pressure from the opening bell, with losses broadening across sectors as investors continued to reduce their exposure amid heightened uncertainty.
Market participants said prolonged gas and electricity shortages have emerged as a major concern for businesses, raising fears that production disruptions and higher operating costs could weigh on corporate earnings.
“The underlying driver is macro pressure. The ongoing energy crisis is a long-term structural challenge. If energy costs remain unsustainable, production and company performance take a direct hit,” said Saiful Islam, president of the DSE Brokers’ Association of Bangladesh (DBA).
Selling intensified in the latter half of the session, resulting in broad-based declines across equities and further weakening investor sentiment.
Market participation also weakened, with turnover on the DSE falling 24.4 per cent to Tk 5.5 billion from Tk 7.2 billion in the previous session.
Textiles accounted for the largest share of the day’s turnover at 28.8 per cent, followed by general insurance at 14.2 per cent and pharmaceuticals at 11.2 per cent.
All sectors closed in negative territory. General insurance and textiles suffered the steepest corrections, each falling 4.2 per cent, while paper stocks declined 3.8 per cent.
Market breadth remained heavily negative. Of the 395 issues traded, only 19 advanced, while 343 declined and 33 remained unchanged.
The port city bourse, Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), also ended lower. Its Selective Categories’ Index (CSCX) fell 88.1 points, while the All Share Price Index (CASPI) declined 171.0 points.