They said buyers are observing the post-bombing scenario cautiously and are likely to shift their focus from Bangladesh to other alternative markets for their outsourcing destinations if the situation worsens.

The leaders of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), who called on the PM at her office, urged her to take immediate steps to arrest the perpetrators of the explosions.

The prime minister told them the government will take immediate steps to arrest the offenders and take stern actions against them.

"Bangladesh is a moderate Muslim country and there is no scope for practising extremism in the name of Islam," sources quoted the prime minister as saying.

She added that the blasts were made at a time when Bangladesh is making good progress in attaining desired economic growth and attracting foreign investment.

The textile sector leaders, expressing their anxiety, said if the offenders cannot be identified and go unpunished, the situation would go out of control.

The three premier apparel sector bodies called upon the government and the main opposition to work together for upholding the country's image amid this crisis.

Khaleda also urged the leaders of the opposition parties to work together for identifying the "enemies of the nation."

The textile sector leaders have plans to arrange a dialogue between Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and the Leader of the Opposition Sheikh Hasina to discuss the national crisis emanating from the August 17 blasts, sources said.

Earlier at a joint press conference of the three organisations, BGMEA President Annisul Huq said recurrence of such bombings may label Bangladesh as a terrorism-prone country and can even link it to international terrorism.

"The government and the opposition parties must come forward to identify the culprits and punish them, giving up the blame-game practice," BKMEA President Fazlul Haque said, reading out a joint statement at the press conference.

Such destructive activities will not only hamper smooth production at factories, affecting the country's overall exports, but will also project a negative view of the country to the buyers, who may feel shaky to continue business with the local traders, Fazlul said.

The propaganda that extremism is rising in Bangladesh may also get more force if the miscreants behind this attacks remain unpunished, he added.

Giving an example of Bangladesh textiles' gaining momentum during the political unrest in Sri Lanka, BTMA Chairman MA Awal said "If the current situation continues, the overseas buyers will shift to other destinations from Bangladesh."