Online Desk: About 80 lakh first-time voters are going to exercise their voting rights in the 12th national election. As the deadline for election campaigning nears, Awami League nominated candidates are stepping up to attract these new voters.

In the past two elections, the absence of the BNP resulted in reduced competition, negatively impacting the engagement of youth. To address this, Awami League’s election manifesto includes several promises regarding employment, aiming to involve and engage the younger population in the electoral process.

The Awami League, which has been in power for three consecutive terms, announced its manifesto for the 12th parliamentary election, promising a ‘Smart Bangladesh’, titled “Visible Development, Increased Employment Opportunities.”

In addition to the presence of such a large number of voters, their verdict is one of the considerations for any candidate. Therefore, Awami League has given priority to the needs of the youths from the beginning of their election campaign.

The Election Commission has included 79.83 lakh new voters in the voter list, who will be able to vote for the first time in the upcoming parliamentary election. This includes 40.72 lakh men and 39.10 lakh women.

Meanwhile, Awami League has prioritized popular candidates to appeal to young voters. This strategy includes nominations such as former Bangladesh cricket team captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza from Narail-2, renowned all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan from Magura-1, popular actor Ferdous Ahmed from Dhaka-10, and well-known face on political talk shows, M Arafat from Dhaka-17.

The nominations of these popular candidates have garnered attention from young people, who are actively expressing their interest through various channels, notably on social media. These celebrities are now canvassing door-to-door to secure votes.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader emphasized that the party’s primary focus in the 12th parliamentary election is the young voters, particularly those voting for the first time.

Awami League candidate for the Narail-2 constituency, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, expressed, “I am committed to shouldering the responsibilities of the future generation.

“This election isn’t just about today; it shapes the future of the next generation. No one should stay home. Spare a moment and head to the polling centers with your entire family and cast your votes for the boat,” said Mashrafe. “Your responsibility extends until January 7. I commit to shouldering your responsibilities and those of future generations after January 8. Have your faith in me,” he added.

Meanwhile, on December 29, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader encouraged the young, first-time voters, stating, “The envisioned Smart Bangladesh, the dream of new voters, will be crafted by the hands of our youth. Get ready for that.”

On January 2, Awami League President Sheikh Hasina asked Shakib Al Hasan, the Awami League candidate for Magura-1 constituency, to “hit sixes” in the election like in the field.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while presenting the Awami League candidates during an election rally at Government Rajendra College ground in Faridpur.

“If we secure votes for the ‘boat’ symbol, we can propel Bangladesh towards becoming a developed country,” said the Awami League president.

Acknowledging numerous conspiracies against the nation, she highlighted that despite adversaries’ attempts, Bangladesh stands resolute, refusing to yield to external pressures.

Like many of the party’s candidates, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s election campaign is also geared towards the young voters.

At a campaign rally in Dhaka’s Kalabagan, the AL chief called on the new voters to cast their votes for the Awami League in the 12th parliamentary election to keep the country’s development trend going.

In her address to the youths, the Awami League president urged, “Cast your vote for the boat, and together, we will build a Smart Bangladesh by 2041. This election marks the initial strides toward realizing that vision of a smarter Bangladesh.”