Summary
In Bangladesh, a significant number of young voters are preparing to participate in the upcoming national election for the first time, since many have never voted in a credible election. This follows a large student-led protest that ended the long rule of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who faced criticism over election fairness. Young voters now make up a crucial part of the electorate and could heavily influence the outcome of the election.
Key Facts
- Rafiul Alam, a 27-year-old from Dhaka, recently became engaged in politics after years of feeling his vote had no impact.
- The political mood among Bangladeshi youth shifted after protests in 2024 led to the end of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's rule.
- The United Nations reported that approximately 1,400 young people may have died during the protests before Hasina fled the country.
- Bangladesh's national election is scheduled for February 12, 2026, marking the first election since the protests.
- There are about 127 million registered voters in Bangladesh, with nearly 56 million aged 18 to 37.
- The young demographic is seen as the main force behind Hasina's removal from power.
- Previous elections in 2014, 2018, and 2024 were criticized as lacking credibility and were plagued by boycotts and allegations of fraud.
- The upcoming election is anticipated to be a significant democratic event.
