Apparel makers yesterday asked international buyers to pay fair prices for their products, to ensure better living conditions for the workers.

The manufacturers alone cannot ensure a fair wage structure, which is a fundamental right of the workers, said Abdus Salam Murshedy, president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). He was speaking to buyers at an iftar party at Radisson Water Garden Hotel, Dhaka.

"So, my humble request to you is to provide fair price, so that we can jointly build a successful and secured society and economy and make our workers happy."

He said the price fall of garment products due to global recession did not improve as yet.

On the other hand, the cotton price hike in the international market, electricity and power crisis, and inadequate infrastructure in Bangladesh are some of the major bottlenecks affecting competitiveness, he added.

"Therefore, to ensure better lives for our workers, I sincerely expect a fair response on your part."

Speaking as chief guest, Commerce Minister Faruk Khan also asked foreign buyers to add more value by outsourcing more and more apparel items.

"We have very hard working workers. If we work together, we would be able to solve many problems," Khan said.