Eighteen months after major protests, Bangladesh held its much-awaited general election alongside a constitutional referendum. Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and son of ex-dictator Gen Ziaur Rahman, is set to become prime minister. The Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) party also made a strong comeback, surprising many after years of setbacks. The new National Citizen Party, representing the student leaders who drove protests against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League (AL), allied with JI before the polls. Voters submitted two ballots: one for parliament seats and one approving sweeping constitutional changes. Past referendums often served military rulers, but this time, the AL was banned under controversial anti-terror laws, casting doubt on the reforms’ nature. Most voters were motivated by calls to fight “corruption,” an old but powerful slogan. Half of Bangladesh’s 120 million voters are new to the ballot, marking a huge youth involvement. Yet, major parties have avoided addressing tougher issues like economic growth limits or bureaucratic powers. The election pleased some in neighboring Pakistan, who watched the AL’s fall and the rise of right-wing forces with ties to their own country’s favorite allies. However, Pakistan’s progressive voices worry over JI’s resurgence, recalling painful 1971 history that still shapes views about India and Bangladesh. Youth in Pakistan face similar desires for change but face repression and limited political freedom. Bangladesh’s alive student unions contrast with Pakistan, where such organizations have been banned for over four decades. This key difference offers hope for Bangladesh’s youth to hold the new government accountable on economic needs and preserve democracy. Though challenges remain, the recent political shift in Bangladesh feels more open and promising than the gloom facing young Pakistanis today.