New Delhi: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has raised concerns over chief adviser of interim government Muhammad Yunus’ suggestion to reduce the minimum voting age to 17, arguing that such a move could delay the upcoming general elections and place undue pressure on the Election Commission.
Yunus (84) who took over the leadership of the interim government after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country in August after a student-led uprising, proposed the idea during a video message at an election dialogue on Friday. The Nobel laureate cited the importance of empowering youth and to have a say in shaping their future, Yunus said, “To give their opinion on their own future, I think the voting age for them should be fixed at 17 years.”
A new voter list in Bangladesh?
BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir while responding to Yunus’ statement said that implementing such a proposal would necessitate the creation of a new voter list, delaying the election process. Speaking at the Jatiya Press Club, Alamgir expressed concerns that the interim government might be intentionally stalling the elections.
Alamgir emphasised that the current voting age of 18 is widely accepted and that any changes should be initiated by the Election Commission through consultation with political stakeholders. “You are the chief executive, and when you make such a suggestion, it becomes binding on the Election Commission,” Alamgir said, adding that the matter should have been left to the commission to decide.
Elections in late 2025 and early 2026
During his Victory Day address on December 16, Yunus hinted that the general elections might occur between late 2025 and early 2026, following necessary voter list updates. He also suggested that the age limit for becoming a Member of Parliament could be reduced from 25 to 21, aligning with broader electoral reforms aimed at enhancing youth participation.
Yunus defended his proposal by highlighting the significant role of young people in driving change and their strong connection to emerging technologies. He noted, “The population of young people in the country is huge, and their relation with the emerging information technology provides them the strength.”
