Although the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) launched its mobile app in 2016 to make share trading more accessible through technology, the initiative has gradually slid into a crisis of effectiveness and acceptance.
Amid prolonged stagnation in market transactions, technological limitations and a widening gap between costs and revenue, the number of app users has been declining steadily year after year.
Over the past five years, subscribers have dropped by more than 62%, while DSE continues to spend over Tk6 crore annually to operate the app.
Market insiders say the app’s popularity is closely tied to trading activity. As transactions in the capital market have declined, usage of the mobile app has fallen accordingly.
Investors note that while buying and selling shares through the app is possible, it requires further technological upgrades to meet modern expectations.
A review of DSE’s financial statements shows that as of the 2024-25 fiscal year, the number of app users stood at just 26,068, the lowest level in the past five years. Despite this, DSE pays more than Tk6 crore per year in operating fees for the platform.
Market analysts argue that for the DSE mobile app to become sustainable, its cost structure must be rationalised.
They stress the need for modern, user-friendly features aligned with investors’ actual needs. Without such reforms, the decline in usage and the imbalance between income and expenditure are likely to persist.
Saiful Islam, president of the DSE Brokers Association of Bangladesh, said the app is primarily popular among younger investors, who form its main user base.
“Given the current condition of the capital market, trading activity has fallen to the bottom,” he said. “When transactions decline, investors’ interest naturally weakens. If market transactions increase again, the number of app users will also rise.”
Expressing concern, Saiful Islam questioned whether young investors who were initially drawn to the capital market through the app remain active. He identified their exit as a key reason behind the decline in users.
In 2023, DSE introduced an annual service charge of Tk1,500 for app users. Saiful Islam dismissed claims that the fee drove investors away.
“If investors are making profits, the service charge is not an issue,” he said.
Mizanur Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Capital Market Investors Unity Council, said many investors still prefer to trade by phone through brokers or by visiting brokerage houses directly, both of which involve no additional costs.
He acknowledged that young people and professionals tend to favour app-based trading but noted that the prolonged downturn in the market has pushed many general investors to exit altogether.
Source:Daily Sun
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
