MYMENSINGH, Feb 5, 2026 (BSS) - As Bangladesh approaches its 13th national parliamentary election scheduled for February 12, 2026, students of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) have expressed strong hopes for a participatory, free and fair electoral process that they believe will mark a turning point in restoring democracy and reforming the state.

Following what they described as 17 years of authoritarian rule, the upcoming election has become a historic opportunity for democratic renewal, especially for young university students who will be voting for the first time in their lives.

In an interview with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), BAU student Mejbaul Haque said that young voters were deprived of their voting rights in previous elections, referring to limited competition in 2014, nighttime voting in 2018 and what he termed “dummy elections” in 2024.
“We believe that this time young people will be able to vote freely and choose a pro-Bangladesh political force,” he said.

Mejbaul expressed hope for the establishment of a democratic, welfare-oriented and non-discriminatory state, stressing that politics should be conducted for the common people. He also urged all political parties to ensure peaceful elections and avoid violence. 

Referring to the changing political landscape since August 5, 2024, he said young people aspire to rebuild the country collectively and through policy-based politics.

Master’s student and agriculturist Maruf Billah from the Department of Aquaculture said the upcoming election should be participatory, fair and festive in nature.

“This election should be an election for freedom and reform,” he said, adding that elected representatives must ensure transparency and accountability and proactively work to solve public problems.

He emphasized the need for honest and competent leadership to address issues such as education, healthcare, food security and unemployment. Maruf also called for the elimination of illegal syndicates, drug-related violence and extortion, while stressing fair prices for farmers’ produce, religious freedom for all communities and a strengthened law and order system.

Another master’s student, Sajeeb Das, described the election as a decisive struggle to determine the democratic character of the state and the future direction of Bangladesh.

“Elections are meaningful only when they reflect the true will of the people,” he said, stressing the need for voter safety, strict enforcement of law and the impartial role of the Election Commission.

He also highlighted post-election expectations including fair prices for farmers, living wages for workers, people-oriented education and the removal of corporate exploitation. Sajeeb further said that universities should be centers of free thought rather than spaces of repression, and called for accountability of the administration, judiciary and law enforcement agencies.

Kausar Ahmed Mizan, a student of the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, said he is eagerly waiting to cast his vote for the first time.

“As a young voter, I want only those who can build a just, discrimination-free and welfare-oriented state to come to power,” he said.

He added that political parties must present realistic and work-oriented election manifestos focused on youth employment, freedom of speech, modern education and poverty alleviation to attract young voters. 

For agriculturally dependent regions like Mymensingh, he emphasized the importance of modernizing agriculture through technology, ensuring safe food production and achieving food security.

The students collectively expressed hope that the upcoming parliamentary election would bring to power leaders committed to justice, equality and accountability, ensuring that no offender is spared regardless of caste, religion, color or political affiliation.