Dividends and Capital Gains: How to Make Money in Bangladesh’s Stock Market

In the world of stocks, there are two main ways people in Bangladesh earn money:

Dividends – Payments you receive from companies you invest in.
Capital Gains – Profits from selling a stock at a higher price than you bought it.

Both methods are valuable—and smart investors often use both.


📦 What Are Dividends?

A dividend is a portion of a company’s profit that’s shared with shareholders. Many large, stable companies in Bangladesh pay dividends regularly.

How It Works:

  • Dividends are usually paid once or twice a year.
  • It’s shown as a BDT amount per share or percentage yield.

Example:
If a company announces a BDT 5 dividend per share, and you own 100 shares, you’ll receive BDT 500 directly to your account.

Benefits of Dividends:
✅ You earn steady income even if the stock price doesn’t move
✅ Great for long-term investors who want cash flow
✅ You can reinvest the dividends to buy more shares and grow your portfolio faster

Popular dividend-paying companies on the DSE include:
British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATBC), Grameenphone (GP), Renata, and Square Pharma


📈 What Are Capital Gains?

A capital gain is the money you make by selling your stock at a higher price than you bought it for.

Example:
You bought 100 shares of a company at BDT 100
Later you sell those shares at BDT 130
That’s a BDT 30 gain per share, or BDT 3,000 total profit

Why Capital Gains Matter:
✅ Potential for large returns over time
✅ Common in fast-growing companies (tech, consumer goods, etc.)
✅ Helps grow your overall investment faster than just dividends


🧠 Dividends vs. Capital Gains: Which Is Better?

There’s no one right answer—it depends on your goals.

Investor TypeWhat to Focus On
Want regular incomeDividend-paying stocks
Looking for high growthStocks with capital gain potential
Want a mixCombine both strategies for balance

📊 Dividend Trends in Bangladesh

Not all companies on the DSE pay dividends. Here’s what to know:

  • High dividend stocks are often in banking, telecom, or pharmaceuticals
    (Example: GP, Islami Bank, Square Pharma)
  • Low or no dividend stocks usually belong to growth-stage companies investing in expansion

Before you buy, always check a company’s dividend history, payout ratio, and profit record.


💼 Taxes in Bangladesh (Important!)

Understanding taxes helps you keep more of what you earn:

  • Dividends in Bangladesh are generally tax-free up to BDT 50,000 (subject to change based on NBR rules)
  • Capital gains from listed companies are tax-exempt for individual investors (currently, but check annually)

⚠️ Always stay updated with rules from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) or consult a tax advisor if unsure.


📌 Tips for Everyday Investors

Reinvest Your Dividends
If your broker allows it, consider using dividends to buy more shares (compounding power)

Mix Dividend & Growth Stocks
Don’t rely only on one type. Get income + long-term growth.

Watch the Ex-Dividend Date
To qualify for the next dividend, make sure you buy before this date.

Keep an Eye on Company News
Dividends can be cut during hard times—always monitor company updates.


🤔 Common Questions

Q: Are dividends guaranteed?
A: No. If a company faces losses or uncertainty, it can reduce or cancel dividends.

Q: How often are dividends paid in Bangladesh?
A: Most companies pay once a year, some pay twice. Always check the company’s financial calendar.

Q: Should I focus on dividends or capital gains?
A: Both are useful. If you need income, go for dividends. If you’re saving for the long term, capital gains can boost your returns. Many investors use both.


📩 Want dividend alerts and capital gain tips?
Join our free newsletter at BengalMarketWatch.com or email us:
📧 info@BengalMarketWatch.com