Young voters aspire to corruption-free Bangladesh, reject autocracy

Al Mamun Harun Ur Rashid :

Young voters turned out in large numbers to cast their ballots in the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum, voicing hopes for a corruption-free, safe and inclusive Bangladesh.

Visiting polling centres in Dhaka-13, Dhaka-15, Dhaka-16 and Dhaka-17 on Thursday, this correspondent found first-time and young voters expressing enthusiasm as they exercised their franchise in what many described as a “peaceful” environment.

“We are the future of the nation. We want to rebuild the country,” said Nusrat Jahan Juthi, 21, after casting her first vote at Monipur High School and College centre in Dhaka-15. “I hope whoever comes to power will work for the development of the country.”

Faiunnesa, 19, another first-time voter at the same centre in Shewrapara, said she felt proud to vote. “I have come to cast my vote to express my rights as a citizen. I want to see a Bangladesh free from corruption,” she said.

Many young voters said they want an end to extortion, violence and drug abuse, alongside expanded job opportunities and reduced education costs.

Alamgir Hossain, 21, who voted at Mirpur Bangla School and College centre in Dhaka-16, said he wants “a Bangla-desh where people can get justice.”

Travelling from Savar to vote at the same centre, Sadia Afrin, 20, said the next government must ensure safety for women. “The voting environment is peaceful. I hope the next government will rebuild a better Bangladesh for us,” she said.

In Mirpur’s Section-11, residents of the Bihari camp also turned up to vote. Roshini Akter, 29, said she could not cast her ballot in 2024 due to fear.

“There was fear in the polling centres last time. This time the environment is peaceful. I want a country free from extortion and corruption,” she said.

Akash Ashrafi, 20, who also lives in the camp, highlighted the drug problem. “The camps have become a hotspot for drugs. Every government promises to do something for us, but nothing changes. We expect a better life,” he said.

Nahid Hasan, 25, speaking at Dhaka Cantonment Board Adarsha Bidyaniketan in Dhaka-17, called for stability and merit-based employment.

“I want to see a country free from corruption. Jobs should be given based on merit. Country’s global standing should improve,” he said.

Ahmed Jubair, 27, at the same centre, said he does not want to see “any autocratic government again.”
He added, “The young population has a great role in building the country. The next government must ensure basic rights.”

Women voters stressed safety and mobility. “I want reforms and a safe environment where women can move freely,” said Suraiya Simi, 20.

Maria, 25, echoed the demand for “a corruption-free country and protection of people’s rights.”
At Glory International School in Dhaka-15, Lucky Islam, 31, said she had not voted in previous elections. “There was no real voting before. This time I could cast my vote,” she said.

Masaba Hossain, 28, who also said he could not vote in 2024, expressed satisfaction.

“This time I voted without intimidation and fear. The next government should focus on the economy and stop harassment in government offices,” he said, adding that justice must be ensured in high-profile cases.

Abrar Hasan, 21, a student of Daffodil University who voted at Darussalam Government High School centre in Dhaka-14, said, “I want change by exercising my voting rights. I don’t want extortion or suppression of rights. The next parliament should have experienced and fresh minds with new ideas.”

In Dhaka-13’s Geneva camp, Nasrin, 35, said the community faces persistent hardship. “We cast votes to change others’ fortunes, but our destiny does not change. This time we could enter the centre and vote. This is what a free and fair election looks like,” she said.

Sariya, 21, a first-time voter from Dhaka-4, cast her ballot at Bonolata High School centre. She said she wants stronger safety measures for women, a reduction in soaring prices of daily commodities, and an uninterrupted gas supply for households.

Older voters also shared similar sentiments. Many claimed they were unable to vote during the previous Awami League tenure.

Md Anwar Hossain, 40, who arrived at Monipur High School and College centre in a wheelchair, said, “There was no real environment in the last election. It was one party, one vote. This time all parties have participated. Whoever comes to power should continue this system so people can vote freely.”

Across centres, the common thread was clear: young voters want jobs, justice, safety and an end to corruption. As ballots were cast in the 13th parliamentary poll and referendum, many said they were not just voting for a government, but for a chance at a dignified future.