Five Crore Youth Voters May Sway Poll Outcome

Nearly five crore young voters are set to play a decisive role as Bangladesh votes in the 13th national parliamentary election and the simultaneous referendum today.

According to Election Commission data, around 40 per cent of the country’s 12.77 crore registered voters are aged between 18 and 35, making youth participation a potential game-changer.

The breakdown shows 85.31 lakh voters aged 18–21, 1.19 crore aged 22–25, 1.22 crore aged 26–29 and 1.07 crore aged 30–33. Voting is taking place at 42,779 polling stations nationwide. Of the total electorate, 6.48 crore are men, 6.28 crore women and 1,232 are listed as hijra voters.

An election commissioner said turnout is expected to exceed 60 per cent, citing visible enthusiasm among voters across the country.

Observers say today’s young voters differ from traditional blocs. Their priorities centre on employment, education, technology and access to modern opportunities. Active on digital platforms and accustomed to rapid information flow, many assess candidates on competence, transparency and accountability, factors that could influence closely contested seats.

However, former Election Reform Commission member and former Additional Secretary at the EC Secretariat Jesmin Tuli cautioned against treating young voters as a single group. She noted that family background, social setting and political exposure all shape their decisions.

Voters themselves expressed mixed expectations. Sarifuzzaman Sharif from Rangpur said he hopes law and order remain stable so people can vote without fear. First-time voter Roksana Ferdous said she would choose a candidate based on merit rather than party symbol, adding that capable leadership is crucial for the country.

Tuni Chakma from Rangamati said combining the parliamentary election with the referendum makes the vote more significant, though she felt mock voting in rural areas could have improved awareness.

The Chief Election Commissioner called on young citizens not only to cast their own ballots but also to motivate others, describing them as vital to the country’s future and democratic development.