The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) has started a feasibility study to extend its trading facility across the country following the installation of upgraded automated trading system on August 21, sources at the DSE said.

"We will be able to make the trading facility available in different places of the country by October this year," DSE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salahuddin Ahmed Khan told the news agency.

He said a technical committee is now examining the feasibility of cost-effective expansion programme.

The CEO said the DSE members will be able to set up 15 workstations at different places due to the installation of the upgraded automated trading system. The workstations or branches could be monitored through a server set at the main office of the broker.

"Any brokers with the DSE will be permitted to set up new workstations in any part of the country where he or she will have to appoint an authorised representative," the CEO said.

"Already a number of brokerage houses have submitted applications to open branches in Chittagong and Sylhet while one has opened two branches in Chittagong," Salahuddin said.

The Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has also expressed its desire in this regard, he added.

Of the DSE members, Anwar Securities Ltd, Latif Securities Co and Md Shahidullah (Shymol) Co have shown interest to open branches in Chittagong while Globe Securities Co, Sar Securities Ltd, ACS Holding Co Ltd will open branches in Chittagong and Sylhet, the CEO said. Besides, Surma Securities Holding Co Ltd wants to open branch in Sylhet, he added.

He said the City Bank Ltd will facilitate the online fund transfer for those members who will open branches outside Dhaka.