‘If They Don’t Deliver, There Will Be Another Uprising’: Gen-Z Speaks Ahead Of Bangladesh Polls

Last Updated:February 09, 2026, 14:54 IST

The February 12 elections are expected to be strongly shaped by Gen-Z sentiment, making youth participation a key factor in determining the outcome

Will Bangladesh’s Gen-Z play a decisive role in the country’s elections scheduled for February 12?

As the nation faces a crucial democratic test, there has been a noticeable rise in both young voters and young political voices. According to the latest data, voters in the 18-35 age group now make up around 26 per cent of the electorate. What remains critical is the direction this young voting bloc chooses.

A year after the student-led uprising that shook the political landscape, many of those who participated in—or were influenced by—the movement will be voting with a mix of hope and uncertainty. The Bangladesh Election Commission says about 4.2 million new voters have been added to the rolls ahead of the polls, though not all of them are necessarily young. Even so, the elections are expected to be strongly shaped by Gen-Z sentiment, making youth participation a key factor in determining the outcome.

In last year’s July uprising, it was the young who ensured a quick ouster of Sheikh Hasina. The movement was touted as against corruption and policy paralysis and the need of the hour to bring quick reforms and growth. In the one year since the uprising, much has changed on the ground. While one can see many counters set up by the students who called for the uprising, there is some concern whether the polls will bring the change the uprising spoke of.

News18 caught up with two first-time voters, Naseem and Sakib, both of whom carry memories of the uprising, such as shells thrown at them or pieces of a shattered Sheikh Mujibur Rahman statue. “We began the movement a year back in the hope that things will change. There should be reform and an end to corruption. We want development," said Sakib.

Nazeem chimed in: “We are closely monitoring politicians. While I am hopeful, I am also worried. But if they don’t deliver, there will be another uprising."

The fact is this election will also be a test of last year’s Gen-Z movement. In the past year, many who took part in the revolution have been co-opted by political parties. The Jamaat, in a strategic move, has tied up with the NCP or the party of the students. Unlike the BNP, which depends on voters above the age of 45, the Jamaat is banking on youth votes.

However, not everyone is happy with the alliance.

“Our job is not to be in politics. Our job was, and is, to be the watchdog. We can only do this from outside. If we take part, how can we control things? How can we put pressure on netas?" asked Nazeem. Despite the doubts, the upcoming polls have come as a ray of hope. At every 50 metres, one can find small kiosks with young volunteers overseeing the arrangements for the elections.

The country, which has been bruised and faced uncertainty, is looking at the youth to change the tide. But, is another uprising around the corner?

News world ‘If They Don’t Deliver, There Will Be Another Uprising’: Gen-Z Speaks Ahead Of Bangladesh Polls

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