In the city of Dhaka, Bangladesh, a group of young women gather at a technology center to work on a coding problem. They commute to Dhaka using the new metro rail and stay connected to social media on their smartphones.

Over the course of many years, the political conflicts in Bangladesh have taken place on the streets, frequently involving aggression, between parties led by two influential women. However, there are indications of a shift in generations as the nation, with a population of 169 million, approaches another general election on Sunday.

Although the elections are marred by an opposition boycott and hostility, there is a strong desire for change among millions of young voters. With a thriving technology sector, active e-commerce, and developing digital infrastructure, one of South Asia’s rapidly growing economies is utilizing its tech-savvy workforce to demand political change.

Before the election, which was not attended by the primary opposing party led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is attempting to attract first-time voters through her administration’s “Digital Bangladesh” initiative. She has pledged a “smart Bangladesh” by 2041 and the creation of 15 million new jobs for young individuals by 2030.

During a speech at a large campaign event outside of Dhaka on Saturday, Hasina appealed to young voters for their backing in order to maintain the progress and development of Bangladesh.

Shahrima Tanjin Arni, a 26-year-old law professor at Dhaka University, praised Hasina as a courageous leader with a forward-thinking approach towards a technology-driven future.

Arni expressed that the individual embraces traditional values, while also possessing a progressive mindset in their heart, which is rare in Bangladeshi communities.

The two previous national elections were tainted by accusations of tampering with votes and coercion, which officials have refuted. Hasina, who is running for a fourth term, promises a fair and open election. However, her opponents claim she is sabotaging the process to prevent a diverse election and suppressing opposition parties, for which Hasina blames for causing violence.

Younger citizens express a desire for a change from the divisive political climate and anxieties about the state of democracy.

“I hope that the citizens of Bangladesh will be able to freely utilize their right to vote, their right to freedom of expression will be safeguarded, and the judicial system will operate autonomously,” stated Abdur Rahim Rony, a student at Dhaka University. “I also desire that no political party or government will interfere with the functions of constitutional institutions.”

According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, approximately 25% of the country’s population falls within the 15-29 age range. Additionally, around 30% of the total 119.1 million registered voters in the country are between the ages of 18 and 30.

A study conducted in October by the Bangladesh Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, focusing on sustainable development goals, surveyed 5,075 individuals aged 18-35 online. The results showed that 69% of young people in Bangladesh believe that corruption and nepotism are the primary hindrances to the country’s development as it transitions from its status as a least-developed economy to a middle-income developing nation.

A 20-year-old first-time voter and computer science student at Brac University in Dhaka named Raul Tamjid Rahman expressed a desire for peace on the streets and an end to violence. When he completes his studies, he hopes to either work or start his own business without any disruptions. He sees this as a message from his generation to the politicians and policymakers.

In 1997, the telecommunications industry in Bangladesh experienced a significant increase due to licenses being granted by Hasina to three companies to operate the mobile phone sector at no cost. This presented a valuable opportunity for international corporations to invest in one of the most densely populated countries in the world.

“The growth of the digital economy is an extraordinary occurrence that is transforming the economic environment, with young individuals leading the way,” stated Abu Saeed Khan, a senior policy fellow at LIRNEasia, a think tank located in Sri Lanka.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission reports that the nation currently has approximately 127 million individuals who use the internet, with approximately 114 million of those being mobile internet subscribers.

The government has invested a significant amount of money to transform 8,500 rural post offices into e-centers that serve local communities. These e-centers include new startups that have received funding from investors in Silicon Valley, and there has been an increase in the use of mobile money transfers. Many of Bangladesh’s 4 million garment workers, mostly women, utilize SMS-based money transfer applications to support their families living in rural areas.

However, Bangladesh’s economy continues to face difficulties due to inflation and a decrease in foreign currency reserves. In 2022, the country requested a $4.5 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund to protect its financial stability.

The government remains hopeful that the economy, which has increased from $8.75 billion in 1971 to $460 billion in 2022, will soon reach a value of $500 billion.

According to analyst Khan, mobile voice and mobile video have become essential components of the economy, as basic as breathing.

The development of digital infrastructure has raised worries regarding the controversial 2018 Digital Security Act and its more recent replacement, the Cyber Security Act. According to the government, these acts are necessary to combat false information, cyber attacks, and efforts to undermine individuals’ rights.

The previous legislation was allegedly abused by the government to quell opposing opinions and limit free expression, according to critics and human rights advocates. They argue that the new cyber security law will not result in significant changes. In March, a reporter from a prominent newspaper was detained under this law for allegedly disseminating false information.

Nurul Kabir, the executive director of the Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that Bangladesh’s digital growth is drawing in a younger demographic, despite obstacles.

He stated, “The upcoming generation is bringing forth new ideas and advancements.” He believes that these young individuals, the digital visionaries, are essential to the progress of a developed Bangladesh. Additionally, women are also playing an increasingly significant role in shaping the future.

Achia Nila is a tech entrepreneur among them.

Nila emphasized the significance of technology in her daily routine, stating that it plays a crucial role in all aspects of her life. She also mentioned how it enables her to effectively communicate with clients and tap into the global market.

Nila urged political parties to refrain from conflict and prioritize collaboration in order to advance the development of Bangladesh leading up to Sunday’s election.

She stated that numerous youths are disheartened by corruption and red tape, and cautioned that they may opt to emigrate to other nations due to more promising prospects.

Source: wral.com