, Feb. 6 -- BNP Vice Chairman and party nominee for Cumilla-3 (Muradnagar) constituency Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad on Friday said eliminating drug abuse and unemployment would be his top priority if elected.

He alleged that over the past 17 years, the Awami League has led a section of the country's youths astray, while drugs have spread even to villages. "To save our youths, drugs must be eradicated," he said, adding that many educated young people are now unemployed.

Kaikobad said steps would be taken to create jobs for educated youths and, if necessary, cottage industries would be expanded to reduce unemployment. "Removing drugs and unemployment will be my first task," he said.

He made the remarks while addressing a series o...