National Parliamentary Election 2026 - The Aspirations of Youth
National Parliamentary Election 2026 - The Aspirations of Youth
The National Parliamentary Election in Bangladesh was held on 12th February 2026. With great enthusiasm and excitement, Bangladeshi voters exercised their franchise to elect the government of a new Bangladesh.
In this electoral festival, Shobdo Mukur presents a special report: 'The Aspirations of Youth'. We asked twelve young people what their expectations are of the newly elected government of the future. They have shared their expectations, and in this report, we are creating an archive of them.
These expectations were shared by them before the election, on the 11th of February.
1. Joy Shahriar
Artist, composer, lyricist, entrepreneur, publisher
My three main expectations of the newly elected government
of Bangladesh are:
1. The rule of law
2. A corruption-free administration
3. Communal harmony
2. Farah Zahir
Poet, editor, entrepreneur
I've been keeping a close eye on the campaign for Bangladesh's 2026 election for the past month. There are so many people, so many leaders, so many promises. After seeing and hearing it all, one feeling has become clear to me: When the government's formed, there are some basic things that need to be done straight away, without thinking about the politics. A state isn't just about power; it's about the hopes, security, dignity and creativity of its people. So, here are my three main expectations of the new government in Bangladesh.
Firstly, we need to make sure people can say what they think and be held responsible for their actions. I want everyone in this country to feel able to speak up, whether they're in the city or a remote village, online or in public.
The government should pay attention to what people are thinking, feeling, and wanting to say, with an open mind. We're all accountable for our actions: teachers to their students, parents to their kids, employees to their company. So why shouldn't the government be accountable to the people of the country? That's the great thing about democracy – power means responsibility, and responsibility means transparency. People should be able to know what the government is doing and ask questions about it. But at the same time, the government has to respect what the people are saying and see any disagreement as helpful advice, not as something to be fought against. A healthy nation is built on dialogue, not on silence.
Secondly, we need a clear and long-term plan for arts and culture. In the last month of campaigning, I've been surprised to find that I've heard hardly anything about a clear plan for arts and culture. But a nation is known worldwide through its art, literature, music, theatre, film, folklore and language. The economy is important, infrastructure is essential, but a nation can't be complete without its identity.
I don't want the culture of Bangladesh to be limited to the city stage or just a few so-called intellectuals. The state should make sure that marginalised artists, rural poets, folk musicians and artisans get the chance to showcase their talents on a national stage. We should keep cultural activities separate from party politics. Culture isn't owned by any one group; it's the spirit of the nation.
If the government gets behind art and culture properly, and makes some plans for how to show it off on the world stage, Bangladesh will be able to make its art and culture stronger. Just as other countries use their culture to build relationships, we should be doing the same. Culture should be seen as an investment, not an expense.
And thirdly, it's important to make sure the people are safe and secure. People are a country's greatest asset. If people aren't safe, then development, culture and the economy all become meaningless. I want the people of this country to live in safety, without fear and free from any undue pressure or threat. It's really important that the law is fair and people feel safe. This means making sure that women, children, minorities and journalists are all treated equally.
Security isn't just about stopping crime; it's about feeling safe, being respected by your community, and the law being applied fairly. It's the government's job to make sure that people can speak their mind, practice their culture and follow their dreams without worrying about what might happen.
I think that if we can get these three things right – freedom of expression and accountability, the proper nurturing of art and culture, and the all-round security of the people – then Bangladesh won't just be a developing nation, it'll be able to stand tall in the world as a dignified and enlightened state.
This isn't a political demand, it's just what any decent person would expect - for my country, for my people.
3. Tareq Salahuddin
Poet
I have three main expectations from Bangladesh's newly elected government —
1. Ensuring good governance and accountability
I want to see visible progress on three issues: the rule of law, effective action against corruption, and increasing the independence and capacity of state institutions. Transparency in decision-making and accountability to citizens are essential.
2. Economic stability and controlling
the cost of living
Controlling inflation, creating employment (especially for the youth), supporting SMEs and entrepreneurs, and strengthening social protection programs—to reduce the daily pressures on ordinary people.
3. Human
Development and Forward-Looking Investment
Quality investment in health and education, strengthening
primary healthcare, skills development, and practical steps for climate
adaptation and environmental protection—to ensure sustainable development.
I want to see the government give firm priority to three areas: credible governance, an affordable way of life, and sustainable investment for future generations.
4. Mohammad Bashar
Legal professional, poet
After a long struggle to overthrow a dictatorship, the expectations of the public for this newly elected government will be boundless. I hope the people will elect a democratic party that
- prioritizes secularism,
- patronizes the country's arts and literature, and above all,
- protects the interests of the common people in all respects.
5. Moulee Akhund
Author, physician
My three expectations from the newly elected government
- The government will strive to build a sufficient number of
public toilets and women-friendly toilets.
- The government will make it mandatory to establish day care
centres in all workplaces.
- The government will provide eight months of paid maternity leave and at least forty days of paternity leave.
6. Iftekhar Rahman
Poet, business professional
I’m sharing three constructive expectations from the future elected Government of Bangladesh, respectully and in the spirit of democratic accountability:
- Rule of law and equal rights' citizenship
The government should uphold fundamental rights, ensure due process, and maintain the political neutrality of law enforcement and public administration, so that no citizen feels unsafe or unheard because of their beliefs or identity.
- Accountable, transparent governance
The government should strengthen accountability by enforcing transparent procurement, ensuring merit-based appointments, and publishing regular performance scorecards, so that the public can evaluate outcomes based on evidence, not slogans.
- Economic stability with jobs and fairness
The government should prioritize controlling inflation, restoring discipline in the banking sector, with improving energy reliability, supporting SMEs and exporters, and expanding targeted social protection, so that economic progress is felt in households, not only reflected in headlines.
7. Adv. Abdus Sattar Rony
Advocate, Bangladesh Supreme Court
The first day of spring is a call to newness, a morning filled with the thrill of life and painted in the colours of hope. Just as nature is reborn after the winter's dormancy, so too do the people of the country embrace new dreams currently.
Expectations for the newly elected government, therefore,
become profound, sincere, and forward-looking. Expectation of a humane and
accountable state
- Above all, we expect a humane and accountable state, where the law is applied equally to all, there is a visible and impartial stance against corruption, and ordinary people receive government services easily and with dignity. Restoring confidence is now the greatest responsibility. Expectations for Economic Development and Job Creation.
- We also seek realistic and sustainable measures for the economy. Effective initiatives to control the price of goods, job creation, particularly enhancing the skills of young people and increasing job opportunities—these are the demands of the hour.
- Ensuring the protection and support of farmers, laborers, and small entrepreneurs will strengthen the nation's foundation. Development in the education and health sectors. Tangible development in the education and health sectors is essential.
- Establishing a modern, science-based and skills-oriented
education system, encouraging research, and ensuring quality, affordable
healthcare for all are prerequisites for building a developed nation.
Protecting Social Harmony, Tolerance and Freedom of Expression
- At the same time, it is essential to protect social harmony, tolerance and freedom of expression. Respecting differing opinions, fostering a culture of dialogue and strengthening the rule of law builds a strong foundation for democracy.
- Environmental and Climate Protection - We need far-reaching plans for environmental and climate protection. Protecting rivers, canals, forests and natural resources, controlling pollution, and strengthening preparedness for disaster management is our responsibility to future generations. Expectations from the new government
Just as the first day of spring heralds’ new shoots, so too may the new government usher in a new chapter of comfort, justice and development for the people. We hope this spring marks the beginning of a journey towards a responsible, progressive and welfare-oriented state.
8. Sheikh Lana
Architect, artist, musician
1. Law and order to improve safety and security for people.
2. Deleting corruption completely, regulate corrupt practices through enforcement action for each and everyone.
3. Education to meet world standard focusing gender Equity in all sector !
1. Ensuring the fundamental rights of the people.
2. Increasing the purchasing power of the public and
controlling the prices of essential goods.
Falgun 1st is an important part of Bangladeshi culture, marking the start of spring. To me, spring is all about making something new and positive, or starting something good.
I expect the new government to ditch
the old, corrupt politics and anti-culture, support the cultural values that
Bengalis hold dear, keep the democratic process going, and, most importantly,
put special emphasis on protecting and developing our cultural heritage as we
build a new welfare state that will benefit the people.
We'll be doing what we can to develop and promote Bengali
culture at all levels.
The future of a nation depends on the awareness, sense of responsibility and active participation of its people. In a democratic framework, elections are not merely a process of choosing leaders; they are an important opportunity for the nation to express its hopes and aspirations. Today, the country's election is being held, and as a responsible citizen I too want the new government to play an effective role in promoting national development, stability and social justice. Like every citizen of the country, I too have some clear expectations in the areas of the economy, education and law and order to transform Bangladesh into a prosperous, educated, secure and just state.
1. Economic Expectations:
My first expectation of the newly elected government is to ensure economic stability to strengthen Bangladesh's current weak economy. Controlling inflation, increasing foreign currency reserves, and effective revenue management are now the need of the hour. The banking sector must be made transparent and accountable to restore public confidence by controlling loan defaults. Adopting modern policies for the industrial sector, agriculture, and small entrepreneurs will increase employment. The export sector needs to be diversified and sustainable policies adopted to attract foreign investment.
2. Expectations regarding the democratisation of the education system and literature:
Education is the fundamental foundation of a nation's progress. Therefore, my second expectation of the newly elected government is to establish a modern, equitable and democratic education system. The curriculum should be kept free from political influence, with opportunities expanded for creativity, research and critical thinking. It is essential to reduce disparities between urban and rural areas, and between the public and private sectors, to ensure quality education for all students. At the same time, opportunities for literary engagement must be made more open and democratic, so that people from all walks of life can participate in the light of literature and culture. Increasing state support for libraries, cultural centres and literary pursuits is essential. If a reading society is fostered, the nation will become thoughtful and responsible.
3. Expectations for Improving the Law and Order
Situation:
The thirteenth national election in Bangladesh has opened a
whole new set of possibilities. As someone who cares about where our country's
going, I've got certain hopes for the new government that's coming out of this
election. These aren't political demands, but basic ideas for creating a
modern, compassionate and globally minded state. There are three issues here
that need to be looked at more closely.
1. A Fully Digital State System: Transparency and efficiency
in citizen services
We're not new to the idea of "Digital Bangladesh",
but the truth is, most people still must deal with loads of hassle to get
anything from the government or private companies.
It's a real pain when
you must travel from office to office to finish a task that could be done
online in ten minutes. You're wasting time, money and energy. We're expecting
the new government to bring all citizen services into the country under one
digital system. We want to see the proof, not just hear about it or read it on
paper.
Birth registration, national ID cards, land-related
services, tax payments, passports, health and education—we want everything to
be done online, easily and securely, with no middlemen. This will not only
reduce the harassment of citizens but also significantly curb opportunities for
corruption.
Digitalization isn't just about using technology; it's a way
of thinking that gets how important time is.
2. A Culture of Reading: A must for building a reflective
nation!
You can't really measure a nation's true development just by
looking at its infrastructure or the economy. The real strength of a nation
comes from the intelligence and compassion of its people. Reading helps you to
develop this strength. But the truth is, reading is becoming less popular,
especially with younger people.
The new government is expected to make reading a national
priority. Street libraries, open-air libraries, modern school and college
libraries, mobile libraries and digital library systems can be set up in cities
and the countryside. Putting a few books in places like bus stops, parks and
public spaces can make people's free time more meaningful. Reading isn't a
luxury; it's the foundation of a nation's intellectual security, its critical
thinking and democratic practice.
3. The Tourism Sector: Let the world see what a beautiful
place Bangladesh is.
Bangladesh is a country with a lot of natural beauty,
history, and culture. The country's got mountains, seas, rivers, archaeological
sites and a diverse folk culture, so it's got huge tourism potential. But
Bangladesh still doesn't get the recognition it deserves on the global tourism
scene.
The new government is looking to create a national tourism
website that meets international standards. It'll have 64 documentaries for the
country's 64 districts, each one showing off the historical sites, tourist
attractions, local culture, and life stories of the district it's from. You'll
also be able to find info on where to stay, what to eat, transport and budget
costs, all at the click of a button. This will make Bangladesh more accessible
and appealing to both domestic and international tourists.
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