"We have to intensify our efforts... We need to work out plan for boosting campaign to get duty and quota free market access," said Annisul Huq, former president of Bangladesh Garment Manufactures and Exporters Association (BGMEA). Fazlul Hoque, president of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufactures and Exporters Association (BKMEA), said: "I am frustrated by the comment by the US Congressman on the issue."

Crowley, co-chair of congressional Bangladeshi Caucus, arrived in Dhaka Tuesday on a three-day visit.

The US Congressman aired a frustrating sound regarding the TRADE Bill. "The passage of TRADE Act is a difficult process ... You need to understand that it is not an easy process. So, everyone must be prepared for any outcome," he told reporters at a press conference.

On the possibility of passing the bill by November he said it would depend on circumstances. "There is limited time before the election," he said.

Crowley, however, said if the bill is not passed this year, efforts would be made in 2007.

Annisul Huq said Bangladesh has to face tough situation in the US market soon after restriction on Chinese textile exports is over in 2008.

"We need to raise support for the bill and have to intensify our efforts," he said. It took seven years for African countries to get AGOA, he said.

Fazlul Hoque said there is no doubt that LDCs, such as Bangladesh, need market access to the US. 'But, we see nothing optimistic in the comment by Crowley on the queries of the TRADE Bill," he said.

BGMEA President Tipu Munshi was not available for comment on Annisul Huq's proposal to work out a plan on the TRADE Bill.

The TRADE (Tariff Relief Assistance for Developing Economies) Act 2005 was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 17 last year to extend trade preferences to certain LDCs.