Youth vote seen as crucial in Bangladesh’s first election since 2024 student-led uprising

0 February 10, 2026 09:54

Bangladesh will head to the polls on Thursday — the country’s first test of democracy since the ouster of long-time leader Sheikh Hasina about 18 months ago. The youth vote is seen as crucial, many of whom were at the forefront of the 2024 protests. More than 55 million voters in Bangladesh are aged between 18 and 37. Young voters said they will be watching closely what comes after election day — not just who wins, but whether the political alliances formed can deliver the accountability young people are demanding. Afifah Ariffin reports from Dhaka.