All runners vow to tackle drug abuse

The Rajshahi city voters on Friday night reviewed the three mayoral candidates' proposed strategies on resolving the key problems, including unemployment and drug abuse.
Around 200 voters made their queries at BBC Bangla's electoral dialogue in Rajshahi city where the three also presented their thoughts on the drainage system, land grabbing, traffic congestion, and city bus service.
The BBC Bangla and the Election Commission organised the dialogue, which was aired live on BTV, Bangladesh Betar and the BBC Bangla website. BBC's Akbar Hossain moderated the programme, produced by Waliur Rahman Miraz.
Awami League-backed contender AHM Khairuzzaman Liton said he would establish a commercial zone, garment factories, and agro-based industries to create 50,000 jobs, as gas and 100MW of electricity had been added to Rajshahi city.
His rival Mosaddek Hossain Bulbul, backed by the BNP, proposed to set up an EPZ (export processing zone) and re-open the closed government factories.
About drug abuse, all the three, including independent candidate Habibur Rahman, said they would arrange sporting events, aware parents, and try to ensure strict enforcement of law.
Both Liton and Bulbul opined for introducing city bus service, but the former said he would train auto-rickshaw drivers at first to reduce traffic jam.