Young voters want political parties to put citizens’ safety and security at the core of their election manifestos, with a special focus on safeguarding freedom of expression and protecting the rights of minority communities.
They also wish to hear clear and credible commitments to create decent jobs, curb extortion, rein in soaring prices, and ensure a justice system that works for all.
The Daily Star spoke to more than a dozen students from colleges, public and private universities, madrasas, and polytechnic institutes, as well as young professionals, to better understand their expectations and priorities ahead of the national election.
The voices of young voters carry particular weight in this election, as they form a significant share of the electorate.
According to Election Commission data, 5.56 crore voters are aged between 18 and 37, accounting for 43.56 percent of the total electorate. Those aged between 18 and 35 are defined as youth in the National Youth Policy 2017.
For many young voters, the foremost expectation is the assurance of basic security.
Rupaiya Srestha Tanchangya, a postgraduate student at Dhaka University, said people felt a heightened sense of vulnerability in the months since July 2024.
“Whoever comes to power must put an end to this culture of mob violence. The social and human dignity of every individual must be protected,” she said.
Rupaiya, a voter in Rangamati, also spoke of lingering fear in the hill districts. “Since the mass uprising, we have witnessed killings in the hills and seen our homes burned and looted at the slightest pretext. We do not want to see this again.”
She stressed the need to uphold freedom of speech to prevent the return of “mob rule”. “Every citizen — whether a member of an indigenous or a minority community — must feel safe and protected. Even those with opposing views must be free to express themselves without fear.”
Echoing her sentiment, Onneshwa Chakrabarty, an undergraduate student of anthropology at Jahangirnagar University, said the security of minority communities must be a priority.
“As a member of a minority community, I hope the new government prioritises our safety,” she said.
Md Sajib Hossain, a master’s student at DU, said, “Our primary expectation in post-July uprising Bangladesh is a change in our overall political culture. We want our state structure to be more people-friendly. The fundamental rights and dignity of every citizen must be protected.”
Expressing concern about job scarcity, Aysha Tofail, a final-year student of mass communication and journalism at DU, said, “Political leaders should pay attention to fair recruitment, digital education, and mental health support.”
Young professionals argue that law and order cannot improve unless political interference in various government agencies ends.
Sajal Kundu, a private bank employee, said the police force must remain independent and free from political influence.
“I expect the new government to do whatever is necessary to stop extortion and the reign of local thugs. I want to see an end to the brandishing of weapons by criminals,” said the 28‑year‑old banker.
Some young voters said they want more than arrests after headline‑hogging crimes; they want a justice system that functions impartially.
Tamanna, a higher-secondary student at Lalmohon Islamia Kamil Madrasa in Bhola, alleged that money sometimes dictates outcomes in the justice system, enabling those with financial power to escape accountability.
“Those who speak out against injustice must be provided with safety and the right to express themselves.”
She pointed out that activists who have spoken publicly against corruption now feel increasingly vulnerable to reprisals.
Faimun Noman, a student of accounting and information systems at Islamic University, said he wants a government that believes in accountability, transparency and justice.
“I want to see a government that takes an effective and neutral stance against corruption, and a system where state institutions operate above partisan influence,” said Faimun, a first-time voter from Lalmonirhat-3.
He hoped the next administration would take measures to control spiralling living costs, create jobs and ensure good governance in the health sector.
Benzir Ahammed Shawon, a master’s student at North South University, said the next government should be “social-development-oriented”.
“It should take up projects that reduce inequality and curb the commercialisation of education,” he said, calling for economic measures to address the recession and unemployment.
“Freedom of the media and publishers must be ensured,” he added.
Sumaya Akter Ripa, an MBA student at Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), said, “The next government must focus on improving the wages and living standards of the most neglected workers. We need to reduce reliance on imports and utilise our domestic assets.”
She also hoped that there would be reforms to modernise the judiciary and ensure corruption-free recruitment exams.
Md Nayim Howlader, a master’s student at Dhaka College and a first-time voter, said, “No matter which party forms the next government, it must be people-friendly. It must show zero tolerance for all forms of injustice and corruption.”
He further said the future administration should prioritise healthcare and education and work to develop domestic industries.
Madrasa students highlighted that they are being left behind in terms of skills.
Habibur Rahman, a higher-secondary student at Darunnajat Siddiqiya Kamil Madrasa in Dhaka, said manifestos must address the “digital divide”.
“The madrasa education system is still lagging behind, especially when it comes to ICT. While the country is moving towards digitalisation, there are no major initiatives in this sector for us. This leads to discrimination in the job market.”
Tamanna of Lalmohon Islamia Kamil Madrasa called for curriculum reforms, compulsory classes and the early introduction of ICT-based subjects.
During interviews, young voters also weighed in on the referendum, with opinions divided. Those leaning towards “Yes” described it as a necessary firewall against future authoritarianism and a rare chance for citizens to have a direct say in major state reforms.
Those intending to vote “No” described the single-question ballot as misleading, and argued that the proposed changes should be passed by parliament.
[Shamima Rita, Tangila Tasnim and Sakib Ahmed contributed to this report]
Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/news/national-election-2026/news/safety-freedom-and-job-young-voters-mind-4091266
