From protest to power: Can Gen Z reshape Bangladesh’s future at the ballot box? | World News

Bangladesh is at a crossroads. On February 12, 2026, millions of citizens, young and old, vote in what many analysts describe as the most consequential election in decades. This is the first national poll since the 2024 Gen Z-led mass uprising that toppled long-time prime minister Sheikh Hasina and sent shockwaves through the country’s political order.

For the first time, Generation Z, who were first born between roughly 1997 and 2012, make up the largest share of voters. Their influence could determine not only the shape of the next government but also the future of Bangladesh’s democracy.

A Nation After the Revolt

The background of this election is dramatic. In 2024, protests sparked by dissatisfaction with jobs, corruption, and unresponsive institutions drew large numbers of young people to the streets. What began was when student demonstrations turned into a national revolt that eventually deposed Hasina, her party was banned from participating in elections, and an interim government was formed headed by Nobel laureate Mohammed Younis.

The elections are also being held alongside a referendum on the “July Charter,” a reform package accepted by a wide range of political actors that aims to reshape Bangladesh’s governance.

What is the July Condition?

The July 2025 National Charter is a political framework adopted following the 2024 uprising. This is not just a slogan but a set of reforms proposed to reset Bangladesh’s political system.

Key offers include:

1. Greater checks on executive power, including limits on the term of office of a prime minister.

2. Movement towards a bicameral parliament, with an upper house introduced to balance legislative power.

3. Strengthening judicial independence and election oversight to prevent past abuses.

4. Recognizing the rights of participants in the 2024 protests and expanding women’s political representation.

5. Voters across the country cast two votes: one for their local representatives and the other in a referendum to accept or reject the July Charter reforms.

Generation Z: From the Streets to the Ballot Box

Gen Z is not a monolithic generation, but they do share a strong sense of disillusionment with the political status quo, especially the institutions that, in their view, have failed them for so long. About 44% of registered voters are aged between 18 and 37, making young people a central prize for all parties.

Many of these voters were born after Bangladesh’s democratic foundations were laid and have never seen a truly competitive election. For them, this survey is not abstract: it is a chance to shape their own future, jobs, justice, economic opportunity and freedom.

But the transition from protest to electoral power is not easy. A new youth-focused party, the National Citizen Party (NCP), emerged from the 2024 rebellion with promises to end corruption, protect press freedom, and defend the July Charter. However, he had difficulty building the grassroots organization needed for broad electoral success.

In a tactical shift, the NCP joined an alliance with the Jamaat-e-Islami-led coalition, a controversial partner with hard-line elements, highlighting the dilemma facing young activists: sticking closely to ideals or compromising to win seats?

Greater Political Competition

There are two major coalitions in the race: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, has been campaigning on platforms of economic revival and anti-corruption. An 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami, which has re-entered mainstream politics after being banned under the previous government.

Both are trying to appeal to young voters but hold very different promises and visions for the country.

What Can This Choice Provide?

For many young voters, this election will test whether the energy that is destroying the entrenched political order can be translated into lasting democratic change at the ballot box. If Generation Z emerges effectively and shapes the outcome, it could break decades of political bilateral relations and introduce new standards of transparency and accountability.

But the transition is fragile. A fragmented party landscape, uneasy alliances and deep divisions over religion, identity and governance mean uncertainty remains high.

This election isn’t just about who will win seats. This is a referendum on whether a new generation, driven by street power, frustration and hope, can redefine politics in Bangladesh. The outcome will send signals far beyond Dhaka, to South Asia and to young voters around the world watching to see whether the protests can become political force.