Dhaka, Oct. 19 -- The key index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) has fallen close to the 5,000-point level amid persistent losses, raising concerns among investors that the DSEX could slip below the threshold if the downturn continues.

On Sunday, the first trading day of the week, indices at both the DSE and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) began to decline from the opening hour. At the end of the day's trading, the DSEX dropped by 75 points to close at 5,044.

Investors fear that another day of similar losses could push the benchmark index below 5,000 points - a level last seen in July.

"As the index fell below 5,000 points in July, the market gradually started recovering. But after two consecutive weeks of decline, it's once again...