The country's two bourses — Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) —have extended the ongoing closure till May 30 after the government extended its shutdown of offices to stem the spread of Covid-19.

The announcement came on Saturday after the public administration ministry issued a gazette notification on Thursday, extending the shutdown to May 30, including Eid-ul-Fitr, weekly and special holidays.

The DSE said in a statement that trading, settlement and official activities at the bourse will remain suspended till May 30, in line with the government’s decision.

It also said that they have sought the market regulator’s clearance to resume trade and settlement activities

“If we receive permission from BSEC (Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission), it will start from the date instructed by BSEC",” reads the statement.

Earlier in May, the DSE wrote to the regulator seeking an approval to resume trading discouraging physical presence.

Trading have been halted in the bourses since March 26, when the government imposed a shutdown of offices in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.