DHAKA, Aug 19, 2026 (BSS) -Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) today warned all concerned against publishing or circulating false and misleading news and statements in the name of its chairman, saying such activities could create confusion among investors and disrupt the normal environment of the capital market. In a press release, the securities regulator said a report was recently published in different media outlets under the headline "Karosajite shudhu jorimana noy, hobe faujdari mamla" (Market manipulation will not only draw fines, but also criminal cases), attributing various remarks to BSEC Chairman Masud Khan. The report contained statements allegedly made by the chairman on issues including market manipulation, insider trading, fines, criminal cases, brokerage houses, direct listing, bull market and technology-based market surveillance. The BSEC categorically said the chairman had not given any interview or made any statement to the media on these issues. Therefore, there was no scope to consider the statements published or quoted in those reports as statements of the BSEC chairman. The commission also expressed concern over the circulation of such reports and posts on social media, particularly where statements made or presented in the name of the BSEC chairman are being used to influence public opinion and investors.  It said such activities could create confusion among investors and lead to the spread of misinformation. BSEC urged all media outlets, journalists, social-media users and other concerned parties to verify information before publishing or circulating any statement, decision or position in the name of the commission or its chairman. The regulator said that when publishing statements concerning the chairman or the commission, the authenticity of the information should be carefully verified and professional standards should be maintained. BSEC further advised all concerned to rely on information published through the commission's official website, approved press releases and the commission's spokesperson for important decisions, directives, policy positions and other significant statements. The commission also said it was considering taking legal action against attempts to create false, misleading or baseless information in the name of the BSEC chairman or the commission with the intention of misleading the public or disturbing the normal environment of the capital market. At the same time, the BSEC called for responsible and fact-based journalism in reporting on the capital market. It also urged investors to verify the source and authenticity of information circulated through social media before making investment decisions.