On February 12, Bangladesh held its 13th national parliamentary election, which international observers have described as the freest, fairest and most peaceful among recent polls. Against a backdrop of political unrest and allegations surrounding previous elections, it marked a historic turning point.

A shift in course; women, youth and new political alignments: Statistical indicators from this election point to a profound change. Of roughly 127.7 million registered voters, nearly 50 million are aged 18 to 35, while around 62 million are women. This demographic moment — particularly among women and the young — did more than simply participate; it shaped political narratives, influenced outcomes and redefined expectations of political engagement.

On polling day, long queues of women were visible from early morning at centres in Dhaka and other districts, signalling that women, long marginalised in formal politics, were asserting their presence through the ballot.

Yet this numerical strength stands in stark contrast to the formal results: nationwide, only around 4 percent of candidates were women, and just seven were directly elected, representing less than 5 percent of parliamentary seats. This discrepancy — high female voter turnout but low legislative representation — reveals a deep structural deficit that demands urgent reform.

Persistent marginalisation of women and youth within governance: Female and young leaders have rarely been afforded consistent roles in leadership or policy-making throughout Bangladesh’s political history. Successive governments have treated related ministries as comparatively low-priority sectors, often managed by state ministers rather than full ministers. This institutional neglect reinforces a clear message: women and youth development remain second-tier concerns in national governance.

But the election results show that such marginalisation is no longer sustainable. Women and young people possess their own capacities, electoral influence and expectations that extend beyond symbolic representation.

Global evidence demonstrates that women’s equal participation in government decision-making correlates with improved outcomes across economic, social and governance indicators. As a leading country in South Asia’s development narrative, Bangladesh cannot afford to fall behind in empowering half its population.

What should be the new government’s priorities: As the new administration takes office, it’s essential to embed transformative structural reforms within its policy agenda, aligning governing institutions with the demographic realities of the 21st century. Below are several high-impact recommendations:

1. Elevate the ministries for women and youth to full cabinet rank

Currently, the ministry covering women and children sits within a broader framework, while the youth portfolio is routinely starved of political attention. To reflect genuine priorities, the government should:

• Rename the Ministry of Youth and Sports as the Ministry of Youth and Development, with a remit focused on leadership, skills, employment, innovation and civic engagement. Sports could then be merged or coordinated with the culture ministry.
• Reconstitute the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs as the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Leadership, prioritising progressive empowerment and policy leadership alongside protection. The children’s component could be transferred to the social welfare ministry.
• Ensure these ministries are led by full ministers with genuine development and policy experience — not sympathetic appointees lacking real influence.

2. Invest in women’s political participation and security

As UN bodies and civil society organisations have repeatedly stressed, women’s electoral involvement must be safe, inclusive and meaningful — free from intimidation, harassment and digital violence. The government should therefore adopt:

• A zero-tolerance policy on gender-based harassment in the political sphere.
• Robust protection mechanisms for female candidates and workers.
• Continuous leadership development and training programmes for women from the local government level upwards.

3. Empower youth beyond the ballot

Bangladesh’s young people are not merely voters; they are the engine of change. Their engagement in the pro-democracy movements of 2024 and in the subsequent election reflects a generational democratic commitment. Yet many young people, particularly women, remain distant from formal political platforms, held back by cultural barriers and limited opportunity.

To harness this potential:

• Launch a national youth leadership programme that connects civic engagement with direct policy influence.
• Forge public–private partnerships to empower young people through employment, digital skills and governance training.
• Institutionalise youth advisory councils within ministries to ensure ongoing input into policymaking.

4. Leadership on the global stage

Bangladesh has a proud record of contribution to international dialogues on gender and development. But its participation in key UN forums such as the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) needs to be more active and more sharply targeted.

The new government should:

• Deploy strong, experienced delegations.
• Articulate Bangladesh’s priorities clearly on gender equality, youth empowerment, climate-resilient development and inclusive governance.
• Leverage technical assistance, financing and global best practices to drive domestic reform.

A new demographic and democratic imperative

The 2026 national election isn’t merely a change of political leadership. It marks the dawn of a new era in Bangladesh’s democracy, one in which citizens — particularly women and young people — are demanding dignity, opportunity and representation.

The message to the next government is clear: deliver institutional empowerment, not symbolic presence. Elevate voices rather than containing them through layered compromises. Lead Asia’s journey towards inclusive and transformative governance, don’t merely follow it.

Bangladesh’s demographic dividend is real, and the political capital generated by this election now depends on strategic, evidence-based policy that empowers the country’s women and young people not just at the ballot box, but in every sphere of national life.

Dr. Noor Mohammad: A former BCS (seventh) cadre officer, a former UN official, and currently executive director of the Population Services and Training Centre (PSTC).