Bangladesh’s recent election has ended with a strong win for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Tarique Rahman of BNP is set to become prime minister. This election was historic, triggered by a Generation Z-led uprising in 2024. But the youth-led National Citizen Party (NCP) won only six out of 297 seats. Many young first-time voters felt the results fell short of their hopes. Student Afsana Hossain Himi told Al Jazeera, "As Generation Z, we didn’t get the expected representation and results after shedding so much blood and losing lives. Still, we are very hopeful. We have representatives from the younger generation, and we hope they will do something good." Some youths criticized the NCP for not gaining enough support and for allying with Jamaat-e-Islami, which many saw as a betrayal. University student Sohanur Rahman said, "The NCP’s alignment with Jamaat felt like a betrayal, and many young voters like us chose not to support them." The NCP plans to rebuild itself while in opposition and focus on upcoming local elections, said party spokesperson Asif Mahmud. Bangladesh, with 173 million people, has one of the world's youngest populations. About 44 percent of voters are aged 18 to 37. The election follows the 2024 uprising that removed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who later received a death sentence in absentia for a deadly crackdown. Tarique Rahman’s family has a long political history in Bangladesh. He promised a new era of peace and justice. At a news conference, he said, "Our position is clear. Peace and order must be maintained at any cost. No wrongdoing or unlawful activity will be tolerated. Regardless of party, religion, race, or differing opinions, under no circumstances will attacks by the strong against the weak be accepted. Justice will be our guiding principle." Experts note that the Jamaat-NCP alliance alienated many young voters who wanted fresh leadership. Jahangirnagar University professor Shakil Ahmed said, "Many saw it as a retreat into old politics rather than a break from it. This decision divided the youth vote and strengthened support for the BNP under Tarique Rahman." Still, some youths like student Farhan Ullash see hope. He said, "After all, the election was a kind of dream for us, a new beginning for Bangladesh. I know already BNP is going to make the government. I hope they will listen to us."