Speaking at the 23rd annual conference of Bangladesh Microbiology Scientists' Association at Dhaka University, the adviser said Bangladesh would have to open up newer avenues for export earnings apart from the earnings from readymade garments and remittances of expatriates.

The theme of the conference was 'Microbiology Safety and Food and Pharmaceuticals.'

As regards export earnings, the prospects of Bangladesh's pharmaceutical industry are very bright, he added.

Presently, the adviser said, Bangladesh exports medicines to 66 countries, including the United Kingdom.

Matiur laid stress on involving microbiologists in controlling the quality of food and pharmaceutical products.

Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University Professor SMA Faiz, Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh Agriculture University Mosharraf Hossain Mia, President of Bangladesh Microbiology Scientists' Association Prof Sirajul Islam Khan and its General Secretary Prof M Anwar Hossain and President of the conference observance committee Prof M Mozammel Huq also spoke on the occasion.