Bangladesh votes in world's first Gen Z-inspired election : Shared by Sharif Shafiq Alam

Bangladesh votes in world's first Gen Z-inspired election: How investments in children created a generation that demanded democracy

By Krishna N. Das and Tora Agarwala (Reuters) / Al Jazeera / Multiple Sources

Reuters / Al Jazeera

February 8-9, 2026

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Summary

Bangladesh holds its first competitive national election on February 12, 2026 since 2009, in what observers call the world's first Gen Z-inspired election, following the 2024 student-led uprising that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after 15 years in power. Hasina's Awami League party has had its registration suspended by the election commission. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is widely expected to win, though facing a strong challenge from a coalition led by Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, which has allied with a new party formed by Gen-Z activists under age 30. Surveys show 97 percent of youth intend to vote.

The election is among the most consequential in the nation's 55-year history since independence from Pakistan in 1971, as Bangladesh is the eighth most populous country globally with 173 million citizens and has had one of the world's fastest-growing economies over the past 25 years.

The election represents a profound irony: decades of investment in children's education and health created the very generation that would demand the democracy those policies had denied. Youth literacy rates surged from 36 percent in 1981 to 95 percent in 2021, while female youth literacy rocketed from 27 percent to 96 percent over the same period. Bangladesh achieved gender parity in primary and secondary education, with primary school enrollment reaching 98 percent. Infant mortality nearly halved between 1990 and 2019, and under-five mortality plummeted from 151 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 65 by 2006, while immunization coverage jumped from 54 percent to over 80 percent. 

This educated, healthier generation now comprises 44 percent of the 127 million registered voters—56 million youth aged 18-37, including nearly 5 million first-time voters. Generation Z voters, who make up about a quarter of the electorate, led the July 2024 uprising that killed an estimated 1,400 people when Hasina ordered a brutal crackdown on protesters. 

Political parties are responding to youth power with education and health-focused manifestos. The BNP pledges meals in primary schools, educational reform, recruitment of 100,000 healthcare workers predominantly women, and youth skill development. Jamaat promises universal healthcare and education, while the National Citizen Party formed by student activists proposes lowering the voting age to 16 and establishing an education reform commission. 

Corruption is voters' top concern, followed by inflation and economic issues. Bangladesh has been seeking large-scale external financing since 2022, including billions from the IMF and World Bank, amid high inflation, weakening reserves and slowing investment.  

The election outcome will affect regional geopolitics, particularly the roles of China and India. China has increased its influence since Hasina fled to New Delhi where she remains. 

Quotes

"Opinion polls suggest the BNP has an edge, but we must remember that a significant portion of voters are still undecided. Several factors will shape the outcome, including how Generation Z - which makes up about a quarter of the electorate - votes, as their choices will carry considerable weight." - Parvez Karim Abbasi, executive director, Centre for Governance Studies, Dhaka

"Everyone was tired of (Hasina's) Awami League. People couldn't even vote during national elections. People had no voice. I hope the next government, whoever comes into power, will ensure this freedom of expression." - Mohammad Rakib, 21, first-time voter

"Voters report high intention to participate, prioritise corruption and economic concerns over religious or symbolic issues, and express clear expectations for leaders who demonstrate care, competence and accountability." - Survey by Communication & Research Foundation and Bangladesh Election and Public Opinion Studies

"On one hand, I want to vote because it is one of the direct ways I can participate in shaping my country's future. As a student, I worry about employment opportunities, education quality, and the rising cost of living. Casting a vote makes me feel that my voice, however small, matters." - University student and first-time voter

"Many of them witnessed their friends and acquaintances sacrifice their lives or suffer injuries. So it is a very sensitive issue for them. They took to the streets for the vision of creating a new Bangladesh." - Badiul Alam Majumdar, Electoral Reform Commission Chair

"The July uprising was led mainly by youths, who proved that they could indeed take charge. Many youths have received party tickets, as their contributions were recognised." - Abdul Alim, election expert and former Electoral Reform Commission member