Chattogram bourse extends trading hours by 45 minutes, effective 26 January
The DSE has strongly opposed the CSE’s decision, citing concerns about market manipulation due to the differing trading schedules
The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) has announced an extension of its trading hours by 45 minutes, effective from 26 January.
According to the revised schedule, trading will begin at 9:30am, 30 minutes prior to the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), and continue until 2:45pm, a 15-minute extension from the current closing time.
The current trading hours of CSE is 10am to 2:30pm, same as the country's premier bourse.
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Shaifur Rahman Mazumdar, managing director of the CSE, told The Business Standard that the decision was made to provide differentiated services and encourage greater investor participation in the CSE.
"We have decided to extend the trading schedule and have already informed our brokerage firms," said Shaifur.
"The decision was taken with consultation and consent from the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC). However, we did not consult with the DSE before finalising the change," he added.
Noting that the move is part of CSE's broader strategy to enhance trading volume and competitiveness, Shafiur further said it remains to be seen how this time extension will affect investor behavior, trading patterns, and the relationship between the two stock exchanges.
However, the DSE has strongly opposed the CSE's decision, citing concerns about market manipulation due to the differing trading schedules.
"We are surprised by the CSE's unilateral decision, which was made without consulting us," said a DSE director.
"CSE could have extended trading hours beyond 2:30pm instead of starting 30 minutes earlier than the DSE. This overlap could create opportunities for market manipulators, as the same shares are traded on both exchanges."
Saiful Islam, president of the DSE Brokers Association, also voiced concerns, urging the securities regulator to carefully evaluate the risks of manipulation before approving such time extensions.
"We have already sent a letter to the CSE authorities and demanded a stop to this initiative," he added.
Rezaul Karim, spokesperson and executive director of the BSEC, clarified the regulatory stance on the matter.
He said, "Stock exchanges are allowed to increase their trading hours in accordance with their regulations. They do not require prior approval from the commission to make such changes."
