Bangladesh Heads to First Gen Z-Driven Competitive Poll

Bangladesh is set to vote this week in what many describe as the country’s first truly competitive election in more than a decade, shaped strongly by the political engagement of Generation Z following last year’s mass uprising.

For years under former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, opposition parties had little presence during elections, often boycotting polls or facing mass arrests of senior leaders. That landscape has now changed dramatically. Hasina’s Awami League is banned, and young activists who played a key role in her 2024 ouster say the February 12 vote marks a turning point for the Muslim-majority nation.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is widely seen as the frontrunner, while a coalition led by Jamaat-e-Islami is mounting a strong challenge. A newly formed party driven by Gen Z activists under 30 has aligned with Jamaat after failing to convert its street mobilisation into a standalone electoral base.

BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman has said his party, contesting 292 of the 300 parliamentary seats, is confident of securing enough seats to form the next government.

Analysts say a clear and decisive verdict is crucial for restoring political and economic stability in the country of 175 million, following months of unrest that disrupted key industries, including the garments sector. A fractured result, they warn, could prolong uncertainty.

The election outcome is also expected to shape Bangladesh’s regional relationships. China’s influence has grown since Hasina’s removal, while India’s role is seen as diminishing. Analysts say a BNP-led government may seek balanced relations, while a Jamaat-led coalition could recalibrate foreign ties differently.

Campaign scenes across the country reflect the changed political landscape. Posters bearing BNP’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol and Jamaat’s “scales” now dominate streets and neighbourhoods, a sharp contrast to previous elections when the Awami League’s “boat” symbol was omnipresent.

Opinion polls suggest Jamaat may achieve its strongest electoral performance to date, even if it falls short of victory. Analysts say its reputation for organisational discipline and a relatively clean image has resonated with voters concerned about corruption and governance.

Surveys indicate that corruption remains the top concern among voters, followed by inflation and economic uncertainty. Analysts note that young voters, who make up roughly a quarter of the electorate, could play a decisive role in shaping the final outcome.

Many first-time voters say they are eager for change. Mohammad Rakib, 21, said he hopes the next government will guarantee freedom of expression and fair elections. “People want to vote freely and have their voices heard,” he said. “That is what this election should finally deliver.”