New jobs big concern of first-time voters

A party with the prospect of creating more jobs will be on the minds of the first-time voters in Barishal district when they go to polling centres this Sunday. 

In the six constituencies of the district, the number of voters has increased to 17,78,585, among whom about 14 percent or 2.5 lakh were not eligible to vote in the previous national election.

While speaking with this correspondent, several new voters shared their thoughts on the party or candidate they might consider to vote for. 

Barishal University student Munmun, a 20-year-old, said she was enthusiastic about exercising her right to vote for the first time. “The party that will create new jobs for the youth will get my support,” she said. 

Many of the new voters said they were reviewing electoral manifestos of different political parties to find out whether any particular party has promised to address their concern for jobs.  

“We want more jobs. We want the [newly elected] government to have a vision and create more jobs for us,” said Tahira, an honours student at Govt BM College in Barishal.  

Nazmul Alam Ovi, a teacher at a private college, said a government should be youth-friendly. “It's unfortunate that we have only a few options. So, when casting our votes, we'll have to think about who can solve our problems.”

Another fresh voter, Mahid Khan, whose father is a freedom fighter, said, “We don't want to choose anyone who is affiliated with anti-liberation forces.” 

A number of first-time voters also said they preferred reformation in the quota system for public service jobs and admissions at higher educational institutions. 

Many others said besides creation of new jobs, they would like to see expansion of digital services and access to information and communication technology in all spheres of life.

Taking the significant number of fresh voters into consideration, candidates and political parties are also trying to sway the youth during their electioneering.

Awami League's Barishal city unit President Golam Abbas Chowdhury said leaders and workers of his party are explaining young voters about AL's success in the digitalisation of the country as well as promises the party has made in the new manifesto for further development in the sector. 

BNP's Central Organising Secretary Bilkis Jahan Shirin said BNP has elaborate plans to address the issues that concern the youth most.

According to data provided by the Election Commission, out of the 2,49,321 new voters in six constituencies in Barishal district, 1,14,486 are women.

Among the constituencies, Barishal-1 (Gournadi and Agailjhara upazilas) has 2,57,220 voters, Barishal-2 (Ujirpur and Banaripara) 3,01,397, Barishal-3 (Muladi and Babuganj) 2,53,414, Barishal-4 (Mehendiganj and Hizla) 3,24,128, Barishal-5 (city corporation and Sadar) 3,97,267, and Barishal-6 (Bakerganj) has 2,45,159 voters.