As the country is going for the historic 13th general election on Thursday to select its next leadership, experts have opined that the impact of the young voters' vote will be significant in making the final result.
According to data from the Election Commission, nearly one-fifth of the total electorate will be voting for the first time in this election. Most of these voters fall within the 18-23 age group, making them one of the fastest-growing segments of the voting population. Political analysts believe that this demographic shift could prove decisive, particularly in constituencies where margins of victory have traditionally been narrow.
Political analyst Mohiuddin Ahmed said that the youth vote will be the main determinant of victory or defeat in this election.
"They are in large numbers, they are going to vote for the first time and we don't know what is on their minds. Many of them support BNP and the same with Jamaat. We have seen a certain trend in the student parliament elections. There is a certain trend in the madrasas. The turnout of young voters will be higher." "Young voters today are not simply inheriting political loyalties from their families. They are forming opinions independently, based on performance, credibility, and policy relevance. This makes them a powerful and unpredictable force in any election," he said.
Pre-election studies conducted by independent research organisations indicate a notable rise in political engagement among young people. One nationwide survey revealed that around 65 per cent of first-time voters intend to vote, a figure higher than previous elections. Researchers attribute this increase to improved access to information, widespread smartphone use, and issue-based discussions on social media.
In this regard, political scientist Professor Rounaq Jahan said, "They (young voters) have not voted before, so no one has any idea about their voting pattern.
"That is why this time's election seems the most uncertain to everyone. Because they are thirty percent of voters, and their voting percentage will be very high, they have no voting record as to which way they will vote. Besides, they have very high expectations and they want to make a new Bangladesh."
Social media platforms have become central to how young voters interact with politics. Campaign messages, fact-checking initiatives, and political debates now unfold largely online. Analysts note that while this has increased awareness, it has also made young voters more critical of political messaging.
EC data broken down by age highlight the growing influence of younger voters. According to the Election Commission, there are 8.53 million voters aged 18-21, 19.62 million between 22-25, 12.22 million in the 26-29 bracket, and 16.87 million aged 30-33.
In contrast, voters aged 60 and above account for 19.35 million of the electorate.
"Young voters are likely to play a major and decisive role in the upcoming election. If they vote in a unified manner for a particular party, it could have a significant impact on the final result," said Dr Badiul Alam Majumder, chairman of the Election System Reform Commission and secretary of the civil society platform Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN).
"The final outcome of the election is still unpredictable," he added.
Economic uncertainty remains one of the dominant concerns among first-time voters. Rising living costs, limited job opportunities, and pressure on higher education have shaped their expectations from future leaders. Many young voters say they are less interested in ideological rhetoric and more focused on practical solutions.
Nineteen-year-old first-time voter Asmaul Husna said she plans to vote with the future in mind. "This is our first chance to be heard. We want policies that create jobs and opportunities, not just promises during election time," she said.
The Election Commission has acknowledged the importance of youth participation and implemented targeted initiatives to encourage young voters. These include voter education programmes, simplified registration procedures, and awareness campaigns in educational institutions.
An Election Commission official said high youth turnout would strengthen democratic legitimacy. "When young citizens participate actively, it ensures continuity and accountability in the democratic process," the official noted.
As the nation prepares to cast its votes, all eyes remain on the first-time voters. Their choices, shaped by aspiration and awareness, are expected to play a defining role in the 13th general election, potentially ushering in a new dawn in the country's political landscape.
