Earlier on May 31, the benchmark index of the stock exchange stood at 2003.58 points crossing 2000 points for the first time.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) authorities introduced the index on November 27, 2001 with a base of 817.62 points. The index, which excludes companies of 'Z' category, is calculated on the basis of price movement of individual stocks under 'A', 'B', 'G' and 'N' categories.

The index yesterday rose by 17.4 points, or 0.86 percent, led by price rise of shares in bank, power and pharmaceuticals sectors.

The DSE All Share Price Index also increased by 8.69 points, or 0.52 percent, to close at 1664.09 points. Besides, the DSE-20 Index, which comprises blue chips, went up by 47.21 points, or 2.65 percent, to finish at 1825.72 points.

A total of 7,767,055 shares worth Tk 157.11 crore changed hands on the DSE. Of the issues traded, 78 gained and 87 declined with 19 unchanged.

Market capitalisation on the DSE stood at Tk 44,853 crore.

At the end of the day, Brac Bank topped the turnover leaders followed by Square Pharma, Power Grid Company of Bangladesh, Prime Bank, Southeast Bank, AB Bank, National Bank, Summit Power, Premier Bank and Lafarge Surma Cement.

Brac Bank topped the list with 232,400 shares worth Tk 17.02 crore.