Young people want to vote for candidates, not symbols

Participants – mostly university students – at the Gen Vote Festival held in the capital's Gulshan today (15 December) expressed the view that voters should choose candidates based on merit rather than party symbols. 

The festival, held at Aloki Convention Hall in Gulshan, focused on voting rights, democracy, and civic responsibility, with strong participation from young and first-time voters.

The final day of the programme featured discussions and a mock voting exercise, following two days of an election-focused hackathon where students presented technology- and innovation-based ideas to improve the electoral system.

Around 600 students from various universities across the country took part on the final day.

One of the main attractions was the open mock voting booth, where young and first-time voters practised the national election and referendum process throughout the day.

Participants first collected voter slips by showing their assigned numbers. They then entered the centre in an orderly manner and cast votes on separate slips for the national election and the referendum inside secret booths.

Sarifuzzaman Sharif, a voter from Rangpur who is currently studying at a university in Dhaka, said, "We have many expectations. Law and order must be maintained so that we can vote without fear. I believe this will be a good election."

After taking part in the mock vote, first-time voter Roksana Ferdous said the experience was meaningful for her.

"This is my first time as a voter. Casting my first vote here is an experience for me," she said.

"Just as I voted fearlessly here, I want to vote with the same enthusiasm in the national election. I will not vote based on party symbols but on the candidate's qualifications. A qualified member of parliament is what is best for the country," she added.

Participants also shared their views in writing, which were displayed on walls using stickers. Messages included: "My vote, I will cast it – but only for a qualified person", "My vote, my right", "I want to provide political leadership", "Country before party interest", "The media must be able to report freely", and "Time to vote."

During the mock voting, the role of presiding officer was performed by Mohammad Nahid Hasan, a student of Jahangirnagar University.

He told The Business Standard, "The role of a presiding officer is extremely important in conducting voting and maintaining discipline at polling centres. If duties are carried out according to the law, a fair election can be ensured."

At the event, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin said said, "Youth are a symbol of courage and creativity. The country cannot be built without you. The upcoming election will be fair, good, and transparent."

The Gen Vote Festival was organised by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) to raise awareness among young people about their civic rights and responsibilities. The initiative was supported by the European Union, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.