DHAKA, May 18, (V7N) — Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) PLC and BRAC EPL Investments Limited today signed a key agreement to enable electronic subscription of the country’s first ‘Orange Bond’ through the capital market platform, marking a major move toward thematic and impact-based financing in Bangladesh.
The agreement, signed at the DSE office in Dhaka, will launch the "Sajida Orange Zero Coupon Bond" — the first private bond to be offered via the DSE Electronic Subscription System (ESS), according to a press release.
Under the deal, eligible investors can subscribe to the bond electronically through the DSE ESS platform from May 18 to May 23, 2026, ensuring a transparent and efficient investment process.
The thematic bond aims to promote inclusive finance and women’s empowerment by connecting capital market investment with social impact initiatives.
The zero-coupon bond has a total face value of Tk 158.50 crore, with Tk 75.73 crore to be offered through the DSE electronic subscription platform. It will be available in three tenures — one, two, and three years.
Senior officials at the signing included DSE Managing Director Nuzhat Anwar; Sajida Foundation Deputy CEO Md. Fazlul Hoque; and BRAC EPL Investments Limited CEO Syed Rashed Hussain.
Speaking at the event, Nuzhat Anwar highlighted the need for innovative and inclusive financing tools to tap into the country’s demographic potential. She said instruments like the Orange Bond are creating new channels for alternative financing in the capital market.
Syed Rashed Hussain said the Sajida Orange Bond would help establish an international-standard thematic bond market in Bangladesh by building an impact investment platform for both local and foreign investors. He added that the initiative could pave the way for similar thematic bond issuances and strengthen Bangladesh’s role in the global impact investment landscape.
Md. Fazlul Hoque called the Orange Zero Coupon Bond an important step for women’s empowerment, noting that Sajida Foundation has worked for over three decades to expand women’s employment and income generation through microfinance and development programs.
He explained that the Orange Bond concept is designed to direct investments toward poverty reduction and socio-economic development, with a focus on initiatives that benefit women and underprivileged communities.
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