The benchmark index dropped 25 points or 1.26 percent to close at 1961 points on the day while All Share Price Index fell about 30 points or 1.84 percent to close at 1597 points.

Of the total 193 shares traded, 58 registered gains, 117 incurred loss and 18 remained unchanged. The day's turnover was Tk 106.5 crore.

Market insiders said institutional investors sold shares during the first two days of the week to make profit, contributing to the declining trend, while individual investors rushed yesterday to intensify the price fall further.