First-time voters seek fairness, corruption-free governance from next parliament

Casting her vote for the first time today (12 February), Fahmida Mehanaz Atoshe expressed hope that the next government will prioritise social security and safeguard fundamental rights.

She said the atmosphere at the polling centre was festive and orderly, and described the experience as a proud and memorable moment in her civic life. "I feel honored to take part directly in shaping the future of our country," she added.

Higher secondary student Hossain Mohammad Maruf today (12 February) expressed hope that the next parliament will ensure fairness in all sectors and build a corruption-free country.

Maruf, a final-year student of Dhaka Residential Model College, voted at Mohammadpur Kisholoy Balika Bidyalay and College in Dhaka this morning.

Speaking to The Business Standard after exiting the polling centre, he said, "I voted for the first time in my life today. I had heard many stories about voting. But to me, the process seemed quite simple and hassle-free."

Asked what kind of stories he had heard, Maruf said, "I heard that sometimes you can't find your name in the list, or that when you go to the centre they tell you your vote has already been cast, or that there are disturbances. But I did not see anything like that. I saw my name and photo on the voter list."

A young woman poses for a picture after voting for the first time in her life, at the Khilgaon Model College polling centre in Dhaka, on 12 February 2026. Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain/TBS

On his expectations from the new parliament to be formed after the election, the youth said, "I want a government that ensures everyone's rights. People should be able to think and move freely.

"There should be no corruption. There should be youth empowerment and employment opportunities. No one should have to go to someone else to secure a job."

When asked whether he participated in the referendum, Maruf said, "Yes, I did. But I don't have a detailed idea about it. I hope the government has done it for the good. That's why I voted."

At the same centre, another young voter, Sujana Hossain, also cast her vote for the first time. She came to vote with her mother, Nurunnahar Begum.

Asked about the voting environment and her expectations from the next government, Sujana said, "We took part in the July Uprising for a discrimination-free Bangladesh. My mother had joined us, too. We chanted slogans together. The police behaved very badly. We don't want that anymore.

"Even after the July Uprising, many things have not been fixed. We want an elected government to address those issues."

Nurunnahar added, "She [Sujana] was also a voter in the 2024 election. She didn't go to vote then. But this time she decided to vote."

Dhaka University student Nafisa Haque Subha said she was very happy to vote for the first time. She cast her ballot at Siddheshwari Boys' College around 9:45am.

Subha told TBS, "I was very excited about my first vote. At first, I felt a little nervous, but after seeing the peaceful arrangements at the polling centre, my fear went away. However, it seemed that the number of female voters was a bit low at that time. I also voted in the referendum. I want competent leadership."

In the Dhaka-7 constituency, first-time voter Asad cast his ballot at the Lalbagh Model School centre. He said, "I registered as a voter earlier, but had not been able to vote in the previous elections. I'm happy that I have cast my vote. I hope the elected government will reform the country properly and give us a better environment."

At the Gulshan Degree College (women's) centre in Dhaka-18 constituency, two friends — Nurjahan Aktar Mitu and Nurunnahar Aktar Mim — also exercised their voting rights for the first time.

Mitu said, "It felt very good to vote for the first time. We want new reforms in the country."

Mim said, "There are many problems in the country that should be resolved. With that hope, I participated in the referendum. Whoever comes to power should prioritise the aspirations of the youth in running the country."

At Kallyanpur Girls' School and College centre in Dhaka-14 constituency, a young voter named Jahur said, "Our expectation from public representatives is that they will do good work and maintain people's trust."

Two sisters, Zinat Anifin and Jenifa Tasnim, also voted for the first time.

Zinat said, "The message of the 2024 mass uprising should be reflected in action. People should not feel that the change was in vain."

Another first-time voter, 25-year-old Mohammad Samir said, "Public representatives should give importance to youth employment and higher education issues in parliament — that is my expectation."