In their words: Bangladeshis talk about elections that could redefine the nation’s future

Dhaka, Bangladesh– Bangladesh election Thursday is the most important in the country. He follows Youth-led protests 18 months ago Who overthrew the government of the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Bangladesh was placed under an interim administration led by… Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus.

The vote, along with a constitutional referendum on political reforms, would end the referendum Transitional period And testing democracy in the South Asian country.

Many voters hope that a return to elections will restore law and order, protect civil liberties, and hold leadership accountable. But there is also discomfort. Some fear political instability and the marginalization of women MinoritiesThe rise of Islamists in a secular state.

Here’s a look at what Bangladeshis are saying.

Yunus promised a fair vote. This is a major demand among most people, many of whom consider the previous elections under Hasina to be fraudulent. Those concerns, incl Suppression of opposition partiesShe was a key factor that eventually exploded into a student-led uprising that ended Hasina’s 15-year rule and sent her into exile. Exile in India.

“I don’t want any more bad incidents in Bangladesh, or a war-like situation,” Ariffin Labib said, referring to the 2024 uprising that was met with brutal repression by security forces. Hundreds of people were killed.

Labib hopes that the newly elected government can restore stability in Bangladesh and guide the country towards a better future.

He added: “If the country wants to run smoothly, fair elections must be held.”

Many Bangladeshis share many of these sentiments, especially after the overthrow of Hasina, which was followed by escalating political violence. Attacks on Hindu minorities The collapse of law and order on the streets.

“I want the government to prevent riots, killings and any other problems in the country,” said Zain al-Abidin, a 62-year-old street vendor.

There is a broader consensus that Yunus’s interim government succeeded in stabilizing an economy that was in free fall, but many say it failed to restore security and protect human rights, and neglected the safety of religious minorities.

Dhaka resident Rajit Hassan said that while the interim government made efforts to stabilize the situation, it ultimately failed to deliver the deep reforms and accountability that many had hoped for.

“The government just tried, but the political situation was so fragmented and fragile that it couldn’t solve the problem,” he said.

Hassan wants the transitional period to lead to enhanced access to justice, real protection of civil liberties, and the freedom of people to practice their religion and exercise their rights. He also called for responsible leadership, independent institutions, and a political culture where dissent is respected rather than suppressed.

He said: “We want democracy. We want our rights. We want the rule of law. This is what we are looking for.”

For years, Bangladesh has stood out in the world for having female prime ministers. Khaleda Zia For two full terms and Hasina for four. It has given many women a sense of representation. But this legacy is under threat.

Hasina and her party were banned from participating in the elections. At the same time, there are fewer women competing than before, despite the pivotal role played by female protesters in the uprising that paved the way for the elections.

Economics student Wasima Bint Hussein, who participated in the uprising, said she hoped the political transition would open up more space for women. But she found the reality frustrating. She added that female leadership is still rare, and that issues affecting women have not yet received the attention she expected.

“One of my main hopes was that there would be more female leaders… and that women’s issues would be prioritized more. They have not been prioritized to this extent,” she said.

These fears increased in conjunction with increased support in Bangladesh Islamic group, It is an Islamist group that was banned under Hasina but has gained influence since her overthrow.

The rise of the party worried many women, especially after its leaders suggested restricting women’s activities and questioning their ability to work because of their role in childbearing. But the party insists that it will govern moderately if it comes to power.

Seema Nosheen Soha, 22, said the prospect of Jemaah Islamiyah coming to power is very scary for young women like her because of its conservative policies. She said she dreams of a Bangladesh where people are free to live their lives as they see fit, without fear or restrictions.

“In Bangladesh, conservatism is the scariest thing,” she said.