DHAKA, Feb 23, 2026 (BSS) – Stocks today reverted to a positive trajectory following recent corrections as election-driven optimism subsided, primarily riding on buy dominance in the Bank sector scrips since investors perceived the central bank’s latest relaxation of loan rescheduling rules as a favorable development amid prevailing stress over rising non-performing loans within the sector. 

DSEX, the broad index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), recovered 85.2 points to settle at 5,553 points, as against 5,468 points in the previous trading session. 

Market analysts observed that the market opened on a strong footing, gaining nearly 80 points within the first half hour, driven by predominant buying interest in major large-cap scrips, which subsequently paved broad-based price appreciation across the board as investor sentiment regained owing to perceived strength of the underlying market momentum. 

Meanwhile, market turnover also increased by 26.5% to Taka 7.2 billion from Taka 5.7 billion in the previous session. 

On the sectoral front, Bank (21.4%) issues exerted the highest turnover, followed by Food (19.0%) and Pharma (10.4%) sectors. All the sectors displayed positive returns, out of which Paper (3.2%), Mutual Fund (2.5%) and IT (2.3%) exhibited the most positive returns on the bourse today. 

Out of the 397 issues traded, 346 advanced, 18 declined and 33 remained unchanged.

The port city bourse, CSE, also settled on a positive zone. The Selective Categories' Index (CSCX) and All Share Price Index (CASPI) added 94.1 points and 147.7 points, respectively.