Invest in the Dhaka Stock Exchange as an NRB
Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) living and working abroad can participate in the Bangladesh capital market through a regulated framework established by Bangladesh Bank and the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC). Herostock provides educational resources and guidance to help NRBs understand every step of the process — from opening a NITA account to placing trades on the Dhaka Stock Exchange.
What Is a NITA Account?
A Non-resident Investor Taka Account (NITA) is a special-purpose bank account denominated in Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). Bangladesh Bank requires every non-resident Bangladeshi investor to maintain a NITA at an Authorised Dealer (AD) bank before purchasing securities on the DSE or CSE. The account serves as the single gateway for all investment-related fund flows: inward remittances, share purchase payments, dividend receipts, sale proceeds, and outward repatriation.
The NITA framework was introduced to ensure regulatory transparency, prevent money laundering, and protect the interests of overseas Bangladeshi investors. Every transaction routed through a NITA is recorded and reported to Bangladesh Bank, providing a clear audit trail for both the investor and the regulator.
How NRBs Can Invest in the Bangladesh Stock Market
The investment process for non-resident Bangladeshis involves three main stages: opening a NITA, opening a Beneficiary Owner (BO) account, and funding your account to begin trading. Below is a step-by-step overview.
Open a NITA at an Authorised Dealer Bank
Contact an AD bank in Bangladesh (in person or through their overseas branch or correspondent). Submit your passport, visa or work permit, proof of overseas employment or residence, passport-size photographs, and a completed NITA application form. The bank will verify your identity and open the account, usually within [TODO] business days.
Open a BO (Beneficiary Owner) Account
Apply for a BO account through a BSEC-licensed stockbroker such as Herostock. You will need your NITA account details, a copy of your passport, NID (if available), TIN certificate, bank statement, and passport-size photographs. The BO account holds your shares electronically in the CDBL depository system.
Fund Your NITA via Inward Remittance
Remit funds from your overseas bank account to your NITA in Bangladesh. The AD bank converts the foreign currency into BDT at the prevailing exchange rate. The credited amount becomes available for share purchases.
Place Orders and Trade
Once your BO account is active and your NITA is funded, you can place buy and sell orders on the DSE through your broker. Herostock provides online trading tools and educational resources to help you understand order types, market timing, and settlement cycles.
Repatriation Rules
One of the most important considerations for NRB investors is the ability to repatriate investment proceeds. Under current Bangladesh Bank guidelines, NRBs are permitted to repatriate the following through their NITA account:
- Sale proceeds from shares sold on the DSE or CSE
- Dividend income received from listed companies
- Capital gains realised from profitable trades
- Initial investment capital (subject to proper documentation)
Repatriation is processed by the AD bank and is subject to applicable tax deductions, including capital gains tax at [TODO]% and withholding tax on dividends at [TODO]%. The AD bank handles the foreign currency conversion and transfers the funds to the investor's overseas bank account. Processing typically takes [TODO] business days.
Required Documents
To open a NITA and a BO account, NRBs generally need to provide the following documents. Requirements may vary slightly between AD banks and brokers.
For NITA Account
- Valid Bangladeshi or foreign passport
- Visa or work/residence permit
- Proof of overseas employment or address
- Passport-size photographs
- NITA application form (from the AD bank)
For BO Account
- NITA account details and bank certificate
- Copy of passport and NID (if available)
- TIN (Tax Identification Number) certificate
- Recent passport-size photographs
- BO account application form
- Nominee information and photographs
Bangladesh Bank Regulations
NRB investment in the Bangladesh stock market is governed by a set of regulations issued by Bangladesh Bank and enforced through Authorised Dealer banks. Key regulatory provisions include:
- All investment funds must flow through a NITA — direct transfers to brokerage accounts are not permitted.
- The AD bank is responsible for verifying the source of remittance and maintaining records for anti-money-laundering (AML) compliance.
- NRBs may invest in equity shares, mutual funds, and government securities listed on the DSE and CSE.
- Repatriation of investment proceeds is permitted subject to tax clearance and proper documentation.
- Bangladesh Bank periodically updates NITA guidelines — investors should stay informed through their AD bank or broker.
Herostock publishes educational content on regulatory updates and provides resources to help NRB investors stay compliant with the latest Bangladesh Bank circulars. Visit our Learning Academy for up-to-date guides and tutorials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a NITA account?
A NITA (Non-resident Investor Taka Account) is a special bank account maintained in Bangladeshi Taka at an Authorised Dealer (AD) bank in Bangladesh. It is mandated by Bangladesh Bank for all non-resident Bangladeshis who wish to invest in DSE- or CSE-listed securities. The NITA is used to receive inward remittances, pay for share purchases, collect dividends and sale proceeds, and repatriate funds abroad. Without a NITA, an NRB cannot legally buy or sell shares on the Bangladeshi stock exchanges.
Which banks offer NITA accounts?
Any commercial bank in Bangladesh that holds an Authorised Dealer (AD) licence from Bangladesh Bank can open a NITA account for non-resident Bangladeshis. Major AD banks include Sonali Bank, Janata Bank, Agrani Bank, Rupali Bank, Dutch-Bangla Bank, BRAC Bank, Eastern Bank, City Bank, and several others. The NRB may choose an AD bank based on its correspondent banking network, branch accessibility, and service quality. A full list of AD banks is published on the Bangladesh Bank website.
Can I repatriate profits?
Yes. Under current Bangladesh Bank regulations, non-resident Bangladeshis are permitted to repatriate capital gains, dividends, and sale proceeds from their stock market investments through the NITA account. The AD bank facilitates the outward remittance in the investor's preferred foreign currency. Repatriation is subject to applicable tax deductions (such as capital gains tax and withholding tax on dividends) and documentary requirements set by Bangladesh Bank. The process is well-established and routinely handled by AD banks across the country.
Start Your NRB Investment Journey
Whether you are in the Middle East, Europe, North America, or anywhere else in the world, Herostock can help you understand how to invest in the Bangladesh stock market as a non-resident Bangladeshi.
Related: Fees & Charges