Ready to lead? 25 Gen Z hopefuls knock on parliament's door in polls' race

After the fall of the Awami League government, youths have apparently become more active in national politics, which is reflected in the upcoming national election slated for 12 February.

The youths, who led the 2024 July Uprising that ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, represent the "Generation Z," known as Gen Z group. 

According to the Election Commission's final list of candidates, at least two dozen contenders from Gen Z are contesting the election this year. The group includes people born between 1997 and 2012, and they are the youngest group allowed to run for parliament, as the law requires candidates to be at least 25 years old.

Among these young candidates, eight are from the NCP, a political platform formed after the July Uprising. Others are contesting from Gono Odhikar Parishad, Bangladesh Socialist Party, Insaniyat Biplob Bangladesh, and the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB). 

However, at least five of the Gen Z candidates are women.

Most of these candidates acknowledge that they are competing at a structural disadvantage. Compared to established political parties, they lack organisational power, manpower, and financial support, with many depending almost on crowdfunding.

Still, they believe their age and political background give them an advantage with young voters, who make up a big portion of the electorate.

Analysing the affidavits submitted to the EC shows that at least 25 candidates are under the age of 28—meaning they were born after 1997.

Party-wise, eight Gen Z candidates are from the NCP, four from Gono Odhikar Parishad, three from Insaniyat Bangladesh, two from the Bangladesh Socialist Party (Marxist), and one each from the Bangladesh Socialist Party, Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, CPB, Bangladesh Nationalist Front, Am Janatar Dal, Bangladesh Minority Janata Party, and Bangladesh Khilafat Majlish.

The NCP is contesting the election as part of an alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami. The party's convener, Nahid Islam, 27, is running from the Dhaka-11 constituency. Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, 28, is contesting Rangpur-4, while Chief Organiser (South) Hasnat Abdullah, 27, is running from Cumilla-4 and Chief Organiser (North) Sarjis Alam, 27, from Panchagarh-1.

Other NCP candidates include Abdul Hannan Masud, 26, from Noakhali-6, Md Mahbub Alam, 28, from Lakshmipur-1, SM Saif Mostafiz, 28, from Sirajganj-6, and Abdur Rahman, 27, from Shariatpur-1. Although Abdur Rahman was unable to withdraw his nomination formally, he later stepped aside in favour of the alliance, according to Saif Mostafiz.

From Gono Odhikar Parishad, Md Bin Yamin Molla, 28, is contesting from Kurigram-1. He was involved in the July Uprising.

"Because I was on the front lines of the movement, people in my area know me," he told The Business Standard. "They are also aware of the torture I endured. When I hold street meetings in local markets, people come forward willingly to listen."

Highlighting Kurigram's long-standing challenges, he said, "When I speak about their (people) problems, they listen with deep attention."

Acknowledging the harsh electoral reality, he said he does not have the organisational strength or financial backing that BNP or other established parties have. 

He identified social media as the primary tool for reaching young voters, focusing on promises of employment creation, industrial development, land-port–based trade, and controlling drugs and gambling.

Other Gen Z candidates from Gono Odhikar Parishad include Md Sazzad, 26, from Dhaka-3, Md Mamunur Rashid Mamun, 28, from Thakurgaon-3, and Abduz Zaher, 27, from Noakhali-4.

From the Socialist Party (Marxist), Shahinur Akhter Sumi, 27, is contesting from Dhaka-5 and began grassroots work in her constituency even before the election schedule was announced.

"I'm getting a strong response, especially from women and young people," she said. "I go door to door, and women share their concerns with me."

"This generation is courageous, rational, and politically conscious. I don't think they will hand over their votes to the wrong people," she said.

She acknowledged challenges faced as a woman candidate amid a conservative social climate but insisted that participation remains necessary. 

Other Gen Z women candidates include 28-year-old Moon Tahar Begum from Noakhali-5 and Kamrun Nahar Sathi, 25, from Cumilla-6.

Several young candidates are also contesting from Insaniyat Bangladesh, the Socialist Party, and the CPB, among other smaller platforms.

Many of them argue that decades of politics have delivered little beyond deprivation and inequality, prompting voters to reconsider traditional party loyalties.