Sheikh Hasina’s gift of democracy to the young

In the eyes of the youth, Sheikh Hasina stands as a significant figure who, through extraordinary and courageous leadership, has consistently fought against all adversities since the country's independence. Over the years, she has emerged as a pivotal figure, reaching the pinnacle of success and serving as a source of inspiration for the younger generation.

In the recent 12th National Parliament election in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina once again demonstrated her commitment to fostering a democratic environment in the country. The election not only showcased the resilience of Bangladesh's democratic system but also highlighted Sheikh Hasina's pivotal role in ensuring a free and fair electoral process. Under Sheikh

Hasina's leadership, the election unfolded as a celebration of democracy, with young voters actively participating in the electoral process. The atmosphere during the election was described as festive, signifying the enthusiasm and engagement of the youth in shaping the future of the nation.

One of Sheikh Hasina's notable contributions lies in her efforts to establish and uphold the rights of the young generation to vote. Recognising the importance of youth participation in the democratic process, she has worked tirelessly to create an inclusive environment that encourages the active involvement of young voters. This has not only empowered the youth but has also paved the way for a more representative and dynamic political landscape in Bangladesh.

The Election Commission reports that out of 11 crore 96 lakh voters in the twelfth national parliamentary election, 1 crore 54 lakh 52 thousand voters, for the first time, will exercise their voting rights. Currently, the number of voters aged 18 to 33 is 3 crore, 95 lakh, 39 thousand and 724, indicating that nearly half of the voters are young.

In the realm of Bangladeshi politics, the Bangladesh Awami League's 12th National Parliament Election Manifesto stood out for its explicit focus on the youth. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the manifesto was crafted as a visionary roadmap, aiming to empower the younger generation and secure a prosperous future for Bangladesh.

Sheikh Hasina's commitment to fostering youth development was evident throughout the manifesto, which outlined a multifaceted approach to address the aspirations and challenges faced by the young populace. The document reflected the government's dedication to creating an environment where youth could thrive and actively contribute to the nation's progress.

One of the pivotal aspects highlighted in the manifesto was education reform. Recognising that education is the cornerstone of any progressive society, Sheikh Hasina's government pledged to enhance the quality of education, ensuring that it aligns with the demands of the modern world. The emphasis was not only on academic excellence but also on practical skills, preparing the youth to meet the evolving demands of the job market.

The manifesto also unveiled ambitious plans for youth employment and entrepreneurship. Sheikh Hasina's government recognised the potential of the youth in driving economic growth and innovation. Initiatives such as skill development programmes, startup incubators, and financial support for aspiring entrepreneurs were outlined to catalyse a culture of innovation and self-reliance among the youth. In the digital age, access to information and technology is crucial for the youth's empowerment. The manifesto addressed this by pledging to expand digital infrastructure, providing widespread internet access, and promoting digital literacy programs. By bridging the digital divide, the government aimed to equip the youth with the tools needed to participate actively in the globalised world. Social inclusion and empowerment were also at the forefront of the manifesto. Recognising the diversity within the youth demographic, the government committed to policies that would uplift marginalised groups, ensuring that opportunities for growth and development are accessible to all. This inclusive approach sought to harness the potential of every young individual, irrespective of their background.

Sheikh Hasina's vision for the youth extended beyond immediate gains, focusing on sustainable development. Environmental consciousness was woven into the fabric of the manifesto, with commitments to promote eco-friendly practices and create a sustainable future for the younger generation. The Bangladesh Awami League's 12th National Parliament Election Manifesto under Sheikh Hasina's leadership emerged as a blueprint for empowering tomorrow. By placing the youth at the centre of the nation's development agenda, the government demonstrated a profound understanding of the transformative role the younger generation plays in shaping the destiny of the nation. As these visionary policies unfold, they stand as Sheikh Hasina's enduring gift of democracy to the young, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous Bangladesh.

To garner support from the youth in the election, various political parties have presented themselves with diverse promises. Analysing the election manifestos of these parties reveals that the Awami League has pledged to create additional employment opportunities for 1 crore and 50 lakh people if they come to power in the upcoming elections. Additionally, they plan to distribute 750 crore taka in youth loans among 2 lakh 50 thousand young individuals over the next 5 years, fostering self-employment for 2 lakh 50 thousand youths.

Under the astute leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Bangladesh Awami League's 12th National Parliament Election Manifesto made an indelible mark by explicitly focusing on the youth. This visionary roadmap stands as Sheikh Hasina's gift of democracy to the young, outlining a comprehensive strategy to secure a prosperous future for Bangladesh.
In the context of the Bangladesh Awami League's election manifesto, it focused on the youth, significantly attracting the younger generation. The presence of youth voters was notable in the twelfth national parliamentary election. Sheikh Hasina has presented democracy as a gift to the youth, establishing their voting rights. The first vote in the young generation was cast in favour of the boat symbol, and in the twelfth national elections, Sheikh Hasina will be a source of inspiration for the youth in terms of democracy.

Sheikh Hasina's journey from a democracy icon to an "Iron Lady" reflects her unwavering dedication to the principles of democracy and governance. Over the years, she has navigated the complex political landscape with resilience and determination, earning her the admiration and respect of the people.

The 12th National Parliament election stands as a testament to Sheikh Hasina's leadership and her commitment to democratic values. By fostering an environment where the voices of the youth are heard and respected, she has played a crucial role in shaping a future where the aspirations of the younger generation are integral to the nation's progress.

 As Bangladesh continues on its democratic journey, Sheikh Hasina's legacy as a leader who championed democracy and empowered the youth is bound to endure. Her role in ensuring free and fair elections, coupled with her dedication to the rights of the young generation, has solidified her position as a key figure in the evolution of Bangladesh's democratic landscape.

In essence, Sheikh Hasina's gift of democracy to the young encapsulates a forward-looking agenda. By prioritising education, employment, and inclusivity, the government charts a course towards a brighter and more empowered tomorrow for Bangladesh's youth.

The writer  is student of  Department of Public administration , University of Dhaka.