Bangladeshi Gen Z toppled Hasina. Now they could decide next prime minister

Al JazeeraEN 7 min read 100% complete by Mehedi Hasan MarofJanuary 20, 2026 at 06:06 AM

AI Summary

long article 7 min

In Bangladesh, Gen Z voters, comprising 44% of the electorate, are poised to play a decisive role in the upcoming February 12, 2026, national election. This election follows widespread protests in July 2024, triggered by student demonstrations, which led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 after nearly 15 years in power. Many young Bangladeshis, like 27-year-old Rafiul Alam, previously felt disenfranchised due to perceived election credibility issues under Hasina's government. However, the recent uprising has motivated many first-time voters to participate, viewing the election as a crucial opportunity to shape the country's future. The European Union has described the vote as the "biggest democratic process in 2026, anywhere".

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

2024 Bangladesh National Elections 30% 2018 Bangladesh National Elections 30% European Union 40% Election Commission 40% India 40% United Nations Human Rights Office 50% Dhaka ×260% Rafiul Alam ×570% Sheikh Hasina ×690% Bangladesh ×4100%

Keywords

bangladeshi gen z 90% election 80% national election 80% sheikh hasina 70% political change 60% voter turnout 60% political disengagement 60% democratic process 50% student protests 50%

Sentiment Analysis

Positive

Score: 0.30

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Source

Al Jazeera

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90%

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bangladeshi gen z election national election sheikh hasina political change voter turnout political disengagement democratic process student protests

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