"A justice, who feels embarrassed to deal with the Bangabandhu killing case because one of his relatives is involved in the killing, cannot be neutral even when he is the chief of caretaker government," said Awami League (AL) Presidium Member Tofail Ahmed at the closing ceremony of Batexpo 2006.

Speaking at the programme, leaders of Bangladesh Garment Manufactures and Exporters Association (BGMEA) apprehended that the country's garment industry will face a hard time after 2008 when the USA and European Union withdraw the WTO safeguards from China.

The government and opposition political parties should take every step necessary to make the garment sector competitive for the future, they said.

The opposition leaders admitted that businesses, especially the garment industry, will face major loss due to political instability, but said they cannot tolerate the injustices done by the BNP-led four-party alliance government.

Tofail Ahmed, also former industries minister, said they want dialogue at the general secretary level to overcome all problems if the government invites them formally.

He alleged that the government is influencing the Election Commission so that it cannot prepare an accurate voter list, which is a pre-condition for a fair election.

Tofail also blamed the government for failing to coordinate among stakeholders in the garment industry in fixing a pay scale for the workers in the wake of unprecedented price hike of essentials.

AL General Secretary Abdul Jalil said price hike of some essentials went up to 100-200 per cent because of rampant corruption and syndication in businesses. This should be considered while fixing the workers' pay scale, he noted.

Coordination is a must to calm the workers' unrest over the pay scale issue, he said, adding that the government could solve the crisis in the very beginning by using the law enforcers properly. "But the administration has been politicised," he said.

Jalil, also former commerce minister, assured that if voted to power, the AL will solve all the problems and make every effort for the development of the garment sector in consultation with all stakeholders.

"We shall take the role of the mediator in solving any problem regarding the central bonded warehouse and other issues," he said.

Appreciating the business community's concern over the political instability, Jalil said, "Our movement is not to oust anyone from power but for ensuring a free and fair election."

BGMEA President Fazlul Haque demanded formation of the central bonded warehouse to reduce long lead time, easing the rules of origin of woven garment for expanding its exports, modernising the ports and setting up deep-sea port, solving the ongoing gas and electricity crises, developing backward linkage industry, securing duty-free market in the USA and appointment of ombudsman for the garment industry.

He urged the government and opposition to solve every problem related to national economy through consultation. In a democratic system, the opposition plays the role of a shadow government and has specific responsibilities like the government, he said.

"The opposition should play a pro-active role," he said, appealing the opposition to allow garment workers to go to workplaces by special transport arrangements during hartals.

BGMEA vice-presidents Lutfur Rahman Matin and Sirajul Islam also spoke on the occasion.

The 17th version of Batexpo, the largest exposition of apparels, fabrics and accessories, was jointly organised by BGMEA and German Technical Cooperation from September 21 at Hotel Sheraton.