Stock market set to reopen on May 31
Both stock exchanges have to comply with government instructions issued in order to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus
The stock market is going to reopen on May 31 in line with the government decision of ending the stretched general holidays.
The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) on Thursday, in its first commission meeting since the new top officials took charge recently, decided to let the stock exchanges resume activities.
Both stock exchanges have to comply with the government instructions issued in order to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, said Professor Shibli Rubayat-Ul-Islam, chairman of the securities regulator.
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Kazi Sanaul Hoq, managing director of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), told The Business Standard, "We are fully prepared to reopen the market and will start trading activities from May 31."
DSE, as well as the brokerage offices, will follow health safety measures at work, he said.
Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) has also instructed all its officials to get ready to reopen trade on May 31.
"We are building awareness within teams – from the top officials to the supporting staff – to cope up with the new work environment," said CSE Managing Director Mamun-Ur-Rashid.
In the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak, the stock exchanges had reduced their trading sessions by one hour in early March – from 10:30am to 1:30pm – instead of the regular sessions ending at 2:30pm.
The same curtailed trading hours will remain in place until further notice, said the DSE managing director.
Both exchanges had their last trading sessions on March 25.
