Professional organisations work as a pressure group in different countries. But trade bodies such as Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) are all heavily politicised in Bangladesh and have failed to play a positive role in bringing about a significant change in the society, they viewed.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and AL Presidium member Tofail Ahmed had a debate on the current political conflicts for which the two major parties usually blame each other.

The political leaders were speaking at a seminar titled "The role of Politicians, Civil Society, Bureaucrats and the Media in the Free Market Economy" organised by the BGMEA on the sidelines of the 16th annual Bangladesh Apparel and Textile Exposition 2005 at Sonargaon Hotel.

Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman moderated the seminar.

"Even if BNP proposes an angel as the chief of the caretaker government, Awami League will not accept it. Similarly, we will follow suit if Awami League does the same," Mosharraf said.

"We have to sit and have constructive discussion on political issues and improve the political culture," the minister said, noting it is not important who takes the initiative.

Tofail said when the AL was in power, the Dhaka University (DU) vice-chancellor (VC) belonged to AL and used to attend its public meetings. Now that the BNP is in power, the DU VC belongs to the ruling party and goes to its public rally.

The BGMEA also has three persons to chair the organisation by rotation for a single term, he said adding that politicisation is now everywhere.

On hartal, Tofail said when the AL was in power, it opposed hartals and now the ruling BNP-coalition is also doing the same. "It is true, we politicians are losing dignity and respect. I agree that we don't have consistency in our work."

Comparing the relationship between political rivals when he was young, Tofail cited many names saying they had respect for each other and used to visit each other on occasions. This practice is no more seen today, he said.

When the age limit of the chief justice was extended, it became clear how free and fair the next election in 2007 will be held with the chief election commissioner, immediate past chief justice as the caretaker chief, army chief and the president being BNP's men, Tofail sarcastically said.

Rejecting Tofail's argument, Mosharraf, however, said there are four other options for the chief of caretaker government in the constitution which could be discussed.

"We don't have patience today…There are no options but to improve the political culture because it is the politicians who will have to run the country," he noted.

"We may be responsible for the political differences or maybe they [the AL] are. But the present situation has to be changed," he added.

Former cabinet secretary Mujibul Huq said governance is being nullified by huge corruption. Politicisation of the bureaucracy started long before and only the present BNP-coalition should not be blamed for it.

The conflicts between the two major political parties have reached an unthinkable level, which only speaks of political immaturity, he said.

Matiur Rahman said senior leaders of both the political parties admitted that they need better understanding among them to take the country ahead. "We should play our role as pressure groups," he added.

BGMEA President Annisul Huq said decisions taken at the highest level are not being implemented due to the political reasons although every political decision affects the lives of common people.

Lt Col (retd) Faruk Khan MP, former secretary Waliul Islam, President of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association and BGMEA Director Fazlul Haque also spoke at the seminar.