Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser (CA) Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus has proposed reducing the minimum voting age to 17, emphasising the importance of involving young people in shaping their future.
“To allow the youth to express their opinions about their own future, I believe the voting age should be set at 17,” he said in a video message played during an election dialogue organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies (FBS) at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in Dhaka on Friday.
Prof Yunus noted that various countries have different age criteria for voter eligibility and expressed hope that the Election Reform Commission would consider recommending a reduced voting age.
“Whether or not I choose this age is beside the point. I support the idea of enabling young people to vote earlier because the younger they are, the more interested they are in change-this is my rationale. Their youth gives them strength,” he said.
He highlighted that young people’s strong connection with information technology further enhances their potential. Pointing to their large numbers, he added that they are deeply invested in shaping the country’s future.
Prof Yunus stressed that the decision would depend on public consensus:
“I am unsure what the Election Reform Commission will recommend, but if the majority of the country supports the proposed age, I will accept it to build consensus.”
He also mentioned that the government has established 15 reform commissions, all of which are expected to submit their reports in January. These recommendations, he said, will play a crucial role in achieving national reforms.
“We have now reached a stage where, regardless of individual opinions, we aim to complete the reform process by fostering consensus,” he stated.
The interim government, he assured, is committed to paving the way for credible elections and ensuring the country progresses towards democratic stability.
