The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has said harmonious industrial relations between workers and employers is one of the key factors behind the success of the country's apparel industry.

"The relations built over many years of working together have taken a solid foundation which is very important to drive the industry forward. Also, the Industrial Police has been playing a pivotal role in maintaining a peaceful and cooperative relationship between workers and employers in the apparel sector," BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said Thursday.

He was speaking at the founding anniversary ceremony of the Industrial Police in Dhaka.

Read: BGMEA president briefs Moody's team on sector's outlook

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan attended the programme as chief guest while Prime Minister's Adviser on Private Industry and Investment Salman Fazlur Rahman, former president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries and BGMEA Md Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, and Public Security Division Secretary Md Aminul Islam Khan were also present at the programme.

Additional Inspector General of Industrial Police Md Mahabubor Rahman presided over the ceremony. Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association Executive President Mohammad Hatem was also present.