Millions of citizens in Bangladesh voted today in elections that are seen as crucial for the nation’s future stability and growth, following the ousting of long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a 2024 uprising led by Generation Z. The electorate is hopeful that these elections will pave the way for a new political era free from corruption and authoritarianism, following years of alleged electoral fraud and severe repression of political rivals.

In previous elections, Sheikh Hasina and her party faced serious accusations of rigging the results and brutally suppressing their opponents, including the imprisonment of thousands of activists and leaders from the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The deep-seated concerns over political integrity have made the current elections a pivotal moment for the people of Bangladesh, who are eager to see a change in the political landscape.

The engagement of Generation Z in the electoral process signifies a shift in the political engagement landscape of Bangladesh. As they seek greater accountability and a political environment free from corruption, the outcomes of these elections may very well determine the country’s trajectory in terms of governance, economic growth, and democratic values moving forward.