Despite reports of sporadic violence across the country, the 12th national election has been marked by enthusiastic participation of first-time voters, eager to exercise their democratic rights. This election, significant for its potential impact on the nation's future, has witnessed turnout from various demographics, including a new generation of voters.
Abu Ahad Anton, a university student voting for the first time in Dhaka's Shantinagar, shared his experience, "I voted at the Little Angels’ School at Shantinagar and Alhamdulillah, it was quite good — a combination of excitement and a festive feeling.”
Turag Wilson Biswas, another first-time voter, expressed his excitement and said, “This is my first time voting in a national election. I have voted from Jamalpur-4. My polling centre was Jamuna Sar Karkhana Primary School.”
He highlighted the unique arrangements at his polling station, “There was a separate room for first-time voters. I went to the polling station at 10am and within half an hour, I cast my vote. I was very excited to cast my vote.”
Asiful Islam, who voted at Brahmondhi KKM Govt High School polling centre in Narsingdi, said, “It's my first vote. My experience in voting was very good because I did not face any chaos or problems at the centre. But I noticed that earlier people used to stand in long lines to vote; where I voted, I didn’t see such long lines.”
Ihsanul Nadvi, a first-time voter from Patiya, Chattogram, shared, “As a first-time voter, it was a bit of an underwhelming experience. All of us went to the voting centre in a human hauler, and the situation on the road and the entrance seemed okay.”
The election, a pivotal moment for Bangladesh, has been the focus of national and international attention. It represents not only the continuation of democratic traditions but also the hopes and aspirations of a young electorate ready to shape their country's future.
