The recent Bangladesh election has captured global attention as a significant chapter in the country’s political narrative, thanks to a Gen Z-led uprising that inspired a new political movement. Despite fervent hopes for change, the youth-dominated National Citizen Party (NCP) struggled to secure traction, raising questions about the evolving landscape of political engagement among younger voters. As the long-established Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) braces for its return to power, the aspirations and challenges of a young electorate demand careful consideration and responsiveness in the political dialogue ahead.
The landmark Bangladesh election held last week, triggered by a Gen Z-led uprising, has unfolded with notable outcomes. The youth-led National Citizen Party (NCP), which emerged from the uprising, could secure only six parliamentary seats out of 297, according to results available as of last Saturday. Voters overwhelmingly favored the long-established Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which decisively defeated a Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance, where the NCP holds a key position.
Tarique Rahman of the BNP, which has previously governed the country three times, including from 2001 to 2006, is poised to assume the role of prime minister after this consequential election. Many young Bangladeshis, casting their votes for the first time, regarded the election as historic, albeit disappointing in its outcomes.
“Generation Z felt let down in terms of representation after such significant sacrifices made during the uprising,” said student Afsana Hossain Himi. Despite their grievances, she expressed optimism, noting the presence of younger representatives within the six NCP victors, hoping they would initiate positive change.
Disappointment among many young voters stemmed from the perception that the NCP failed to garner sufficient support ahead of the election. “There was a disconnect between the expectations of the youth and the pre-election strategies,” commented 23-year-old university student Sohanur Rahman. “The NCP’s alliance with Jamaat felt like a betrayal to our cause, leading many young voters to turn away.”
NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud acknowledged the need for a strategic rebuild, stating that the party would refocus on upcoming local government elections in the next year.
With a youthful population, comprising approximately 44 percent of its total electorate—about 56 million between ages 18 and 37—the election results provide an opportunity to restore stability after the tumult that followed the 2024 uprising, which ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The United Nations reported that security forces, acting under her orders, were implicated in the deaths of over 1,400 individuals during the unrest. Hasina has since received a death sentence in absentia for her role in the crackdown and currently resides in exile in New Delhi.
Rahman, expected to be inaugurated soon, has committed to prioritizing the rule of law. “Our position is clear: peace and order must be maintained at any cost. We will not tolerate any unlawful activity or wrongdoing, regardless of the actors involved,” he stated at a news conference following the election. “Justice will be our guiding principle.”
According to political analyst Shakil Ahmed of Jahangirnagar University, the Jamaat-NCP alliance significantly alienated young voters seeking progressive change post-Hasina. “For many young voters, this alliance appeared as a retreat into outdated political practices, thus consolidating support for the BNP, which seemed more organized and prepared to govern,” Ahmed pointed out.
Conversely, student Farhan Ullash articulated hopefulness, viewing the election as a pivotal break from the past. “This election represents a dream for us, a new beginning for Bangladesh,” he remarked. “Even if the BNP assumes control, I trust they will listen to our voices.”
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