Dhaka Stock Exchange PLC (DSE) and Impact Investment Exchange (IIX) on Sunday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on introducing and promoting Orange capital instruments, including Orange Bonds and Sukuk, in Bangladesh’s capital market.

The MoU was signed at the DSE boardroom by DSE Managing Director Nuzhat Anwar and IIX Founder and CEO Prof Durreen Shahnaz.

Under the agreement, DSE will explore facilitating the listing of Orange Bonds and Sukuk under a dedicated thematic or sustainable finance category, subject to regulatory approvals. The initiative aims to position Orange instruments as credible thematic debt securities within Bangladesh’s capital market.

Symbolising the colour of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) on gender equality, the Orange Movement seeks to mobilise $10 billion globally at the intersection of gender equality and climate action.

“Capital markets play a vital role in channeling long-term finance toward national development priorities,” said Nuzhat Anwar, adding that the collaboration reflects DSE’s commitment to deepening the market and supporting sustainable financial instruments that deliver measurable social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns.

Prof Durreen Shahnaz said Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture in realigning its financial markets with inclusive economic growth priorities. “We look forward to collaborating with DSE to jointly advance the Orange capital market, championing gender equality and climate action while strengthening trust, transparency and credibility in Bangladesh’s financial system.”

The partnership will combine IIX’s global experience in impact investing and gender-lens finance with DSE’s central role in developing the country’s capital market ecosystem.

The MoU also outlines plans for joint advocacy, market promotion and capacity-building initiatives, including workshops, investor engagement programmes and policy dialogues with regulators, financial institutions and development partners.

All activities will be carried out in line with Bangladesh’s regulatory framework and subject to approval by the relevant authorities.

Founded in 2009, IIX operates in 60 countries and has mobilised nearly $500 million in private capital, impacting more than 185 million lives and avoiding over 1.9 million metric tons of carbon emissions through its impact-driven financing initiatives.

Officials from both organisations and representatives from market intermediaries were present at the signing ceremony.