Feature

Voice of the first time voters:
A closer look at their perspectives

It is said that students are to emerge as leaders in the future. It is also said that a change can come through a young mind's determination. Yes, I am talking about the political arena of-course. Strangely, the very word “Politics” gives us a series of negative visual images. Bangladesh has lately witnessed dynamic changes in terms of politics. Situations changed, role-players stumbled, and along with it changed students' perceptions. With the whole new system of voter ID and the promise of holding a free and fair election, today's young generation differs from every other individual in terms of their own political perspective. To take a closer look into their mind, I talked to some fellow students who are first time voters of the country. So, were they excited to cast vote for the first time? Or were they reluctant to be a voter? What do they think? What are their perspectives about the present system? Yes, that's exactly what I am going to ramble on for today.

A student of ETE department, North South University- Shamma M. Raghib stressing on her expressions on being a voter for the first time says- “Being officially a voter for the first time has made me realise the responsibilities I hold for my country. Although at this time I may not know whom to vote for, or whether or not I am going to vote at all, I do know that it is my right to vote and also vote for the right person. Thoughts about the election and voting has provoked me to question the authorities, why aren't there a proper channel through which we youngsters can have a leadership role or a say in our politics? We need a platform to voice our expectations, if it's not welcomed we would just stop responding at all.”

Students who went abroad for higher studies has actually an optimistic outlook on the overall situation - “I am really proud and ecstatic to be enlisted as a voter of Bangladesh. It really makes me feel good, thinking that from now on, I'll make a small contribution to the development of my motherland provided the election is fair. Sad but true that all these days, the only impression I had about the national election is that it's all about vote-rigging. However, I really appreciate the recent initiatives undertaken by the caretaker government regarding the election system. I really wish the election was held when I would be back home, because I truly want to witness my first vote being cast in a fair election.” expressed Ridoy Podder, currently enrolled at 3rd year Electronics and Communication Program at University of Birmingham.

Interestingly, most of the students seemingly were in absolute dilemma about the whole matter. Fauzul Azim Kibria(Ankon), studying in 4th Year at IBA mentioned- “On one hand, I am glad that I have a chance to exercise my civic right to vote and play a part (however minuscule) in electing a democratic government for my country. On the other hand, why bother, exactly? Every single political party in the country is the same wolf in different disguises. It goes like this party A goes to power, makes some immeasurably stupid decisions, party B starts picketing, claiming they could do the job so much better, party B gets the job, and makes a bigger mess out of the whole situation. I think we should implement the “Onastha” vote system. Then again, in that case, whom do we elect?”

Speaking about his trail of thoughts, Adnan Ahmed from North South University narrated, “Since childhood, I had a dream of being a voter (I still don't really know why). But while growing up, and coping up with our political scenario, the childhood dream of being a voter has just been wiped out. But I love to dream. For the sake of my romantic-self, I love to believe that with my voter power, I will make a difference in the making of my government. I am very excited nonetheless to reflect my will in the forming of a new government. I hope after all this "reformations and extensive preparations", we will find some better people to rely on. It is undeniable that, some "out of the reach of law" people who did sufficient role-playing in our political arena are now out of the political scenario. This single thing has brought back by inspiration towards voting, and I really am excited!”

Nusaiba Jasmine, a student from Sher-E-Bangla Medical College, Barisal- cited her personal feelings regarding being a voter. She said, “ Years ago I used to watch my parents go to cast their votes with a high spirit and I wondered when will my time come? And now when I am finally a voter, it seems like a huge responsibility! Now I know that it's not only a task rather it's a huge duty imposed upon me for selecting the suitable leader who will be able to take us to a new height. I hope from the bottom of my heart for the election to take place in due time and may Allah help me to cast my vote justifiably.”

Depicting his changing thoughts, Farnush Anwar, a Computer Science and Engineering Graduate from (AIUB) said- “For us, the youth of Bangladesh, the voter ID is a chance, more than a white lean privilege card that we can keep in our wallets, more of a belief for some of us that this time the elders are tidying up their act for a better tomorrow, change the fact that we might be able to take Bangladesh to the next level. Even though I wouldn't normally vote as I really don't have faith in the political system, it's been quite some interesting days with the new changes and privatisation of the most corrupt organisations. After all this happened due to a dispute over the Voter ID. It seems now that it's more of an obligation for everyone to vote after all the predicament this country faced in the last 1 and a half years. This time I am surely grabbing the chance.”

Focusing on the positive aspects, Ahsan Azhar Shopan from the Dept. of Water Resources Engineering, BUET mentioned, “I am very delighted after becoming a voter. It has increased my responsibility as a citizen. The exceptional part has been the introduction of voter card with picture which I hope would prevent false votes given by unscrupulous people. Unfortunately most of the candidates may be the same corrupt persons as in the past. If such repetition occurs I would consider my vote has been totally wasted. I am only hoping for deserving qualified candidates from all over the country.”

Stressing on his agnostic point of view Saeed Hasnat a student from CSC Dept, North South University stated, “ Well I consider voting as the time to pronounce cliché dialogues of democracy and a better future. I have been hearing about those dialogues ever since I learnt to talk. Since then, 22 years have passed. Almost two decades. Nothing really changed. There is this negative vibe you get just hearing these words, it's only because the power of tyranny is absolute. When the leader does not need to be fearful of being held accountable for every action he takes, only then can he wipe this nation clean without any hesitation. It may not be a good idea in the long run, since absolute power always leads to corruption, but it should be considered an option till the field is clean enough for democracy and voting to truly survive.” Concluded Saeed.

"Some of us had totally skeptical feelings towards the prevailing system. When it comes to voting, I personally don't find the drive. If you assess, the result pretty much is constant, it is only the ruling party that changes each time, not the scenario. Had the leaders focused on country's benefits instead of about individual benefit, we could at least have avoided being a top scorer among the list of most corrupt countries of the world.”- expressed Varqa Shamsi Bahar from AIUB.

Speaking in a similar tone, Tawseef Rahman, a student from North South University mentioned -"Being a voter is supposed to be very responsible and delightful feeling as I previously thought that I could participate in something important for my country. However, after being one and analysing the political scenario of Bangladesh, I am very sorry to say that I don't feel that happiness or responsibility of being a voter. I believe our country is being ruled by same old bureaucratic and corrupt government system which has a false shield of democracy labeled to itself. Under this circumstance, I strongly desire a major change in our political system such as military take over or dictatorship."

Agniv Sen Gupta, a student from Daffodil International University narrated his feelings as a first time voter, “ As a voter for the first time, I am feeling a bit excited thinking I'll be able to prove myself as a responsible citizen of Bangladesh by utilising my right. But I am also getting confused whether this election will really be able to change the past situations of my country or my voting right will be just a show off for bringing back another five years of mismanagement and path of self destruction captivated by some corrupt politicians. However I am still hoping for the best this time to see something different as a first time voter.”

Lastly, Fahmim Ferdous , a first time voter who was really on his toes for casting vote framed his expressions with the following words, “It's a rather strange feeling, to be frank. I feel powerful, to be able to take part in taking the most important decision for my country. I feel responsible, for I must make the right choice. This is not a joke. I feel thrilled, to have my say (however small) in my country's goodwill. I feel proud to be identified as a Bangladeshi. I feel thrilled to be putting my first seal on a ballot. I'm still just a kid, but I'm growing up. I want to do something for my country, and let this be a start.”