<i>First vote for fresh hope </i>

Fired with enthusiasm, the first time voters representing almost one-fourth of around 81 millions on the electoral roll exercised their franchise with the hope of a positive attitude in leaders of the ninth parliament.
The new voters irrespective of religion and social status thronged the poll centres across the country and played a crucial role in electing a new government.
Even standing in the long queues for hours couldn't dishearten them at all.
Alif Layla, an MBA student of Dhaka University, was standing in a long line of voters at a Mohammadpur polling centre. She said she expects this election would bring some positive changes among the leaders and that's why she was keen to cast her vote.
"I hope our security would be ensured and price of essentials sharply decrease," she expressed her hopes. "We'll return to democracy through this election and I hope our politicians will correct their past mistakes."
Most of the first time voters shared the same vision about the leaders in parliament.
Those from the educated middle class group sounded concerned about security, law and order, corruption, nepotism, education and employment issues. They believe the next elected government would work hard to address these issues.
On the other hand, those from the poor income group were mostly concerned about the price hike of essentials. They said they were casting their votes with the hope that the new government would keep the prices within their reach.
When the first time voters were concerned about price hikes and corruption, it was evident they were looking for a change.
Kabir Hossain, 22, of Rayer Bazar slum said he mainly seeks affordable prices of everything and peace from the new government.
Dolna and Itee of the same slum were about to start for the poll centre in the afternoon. They believe this election will ensure welfare of the poor. Both of them are uneducated but they would favour the more educated candidate of Dhaka-13 constituency, they said.
This time young and educated voters were aware about background of the candidates. Many of them said they got information about the aspirant parliamentarians through leaflets and discussions about polls.
Besides, the Election Commission also made it a provision to reveal personal information of the candidates in eight categories including education background, financial status and criminal records.
Rumana Islam of Rayer Bazar slum said, "I have voted on the basis of educational qualification and character of the candidates. I believe an educated enemy is better than an illiterate friend."
Ariful Islam, a student of chartered accountancy, voted at Tejgaon College centre. He said, "I voted only for a change in the country."
Arif expects that the new government will judge everything on the basis of qualification, not on political affiliation.
Manira Khanam, a student of Bangladesh Medical Collage in Dhanmondi, said she hopes politicians have learned a lot from last two years and will run the country in a disciplined manner.
Dhaka University student Ashabul Yameen voted at Dhaka College centre. He expressed his satisfaction saying the country is going back to democracy after a long time.
Another first time voter Tinku Rani Devi said, "I hope we'll elect a good government which will work against corruption and all bad things."