Elections: A time for celebration and hope
Shah expressed a desire for elections to be celebrated with the same fervour as major events like the Cricket World Cup. Drawing inspiration from Barack Obama's “Yes, We Can” campaign, she envisions a political atmosphere where elections in Bangladesh are a cause for excitement and unity.
"I think the political climate does not have to be fearsome. Things can unfold naturally, and it can be as exciting as when a Cricket World Cup is announced or anything similar. Elections should be a cause for celebration. I remember one of the first times I paid attention to elections was when Barack Obama ran and the 'Yes, We Can' campaign began. It was a massive celebration, and even people in Bangladesh were cheering for him. I wondered, 'How are we connecting to this?' That's the kind of atmosphere I'd like to see in our elections."
Youth perspectives and a young journalist’s viewpoint on politics
Focusing on the role of youth in politics, Shah noted the rich understanding of history and social sciences gained through education. She highlighted that young people, up to the age of 21, are uniquely positioned to bring fresh perspectives to politics, equipped with knowledge from their academic and life experiences. Despite this potential, Shah observed a gap between young people's theoretical understanding and their connection to daily political affairs.
"For younger people, let's say up to the age of 21, they come in handy because they are filled with knowledge of history. In school, you are taught social science, history, and so on, all from a Bangladeshi perspective going way back, you know, to the British era. It's very clear to kids; maybe for an adult, it's like a history story, you know. So, youths have that fresh knowledge. They know who fought hard, whom to pick, whom to sympathize with and feel connected to. They use that knowledge from university to job."
However, Shah pointed out a gap between academic learning and real-world political engagement. Drawing from her experience as a journalism student at NSU, Shah pointed out the limited political exposure within academic settings, emphasizing the need for a more practical understanding of the political processes. This disconnect, she believes, represents a broader challenge in engaging youth more deeply in the country's political discourse.
As a journalist who is still in her twenties, Shah provides a unique insight into the current political climate, marked by unrest and uncertainty. She recounted her experiences covering political events, highlighting the fear and challenges that come with election times. Shah's firsthand account as a journalist reveals the complexities and nuances of reporting on and understanding the political landscape.
"Like when I became a journalist, I was more so connected to daily affairs, so there was a gap. I'm not saying it's something that needs to be filled, but it is what it is. So, that's how I feel about the perspective of youth in terms of world politics."
Government's role in job creation
Shah praised the current government for creating more job opportunities than ever before, particularly for young women and men. She stressed the importance of maintaining these opportunities, advocating for a job market that remains open and welcoming to fresh university graduates. Her emphasis on job creation reflects a broader concern for the country's economic stability and the well-being of its youth.
"Representing, they are doing a lot more than they ever did, let me tell you. So, about government comparison, we as women, especially young women, and then the young boys, majority of us have jobs or job opportunities now. But this is a prime example. I always mention this when people ask me what I think of the current government or about the past: I really think about the future. I know what promises are being made for the future, obviously. So, like back in the day, young people, women, they didn't have as many job opportunities or opportunities to make an impact in the economy, which is the greatest aspect of building a country. We didn't have that before.”
Looking forward, Shah expressed her expectations for the new government to continue providing job opportunities and improve the standards of education. She highlights the struggle of families who invest heavily in education, only to face limited job prospects and inadequate compensation.
“One thing that needs to stay constant is job opportunities. Right? The job market needs to stay welcoming to kids, as in freshers from university -- capable kids. I'm not saying to randomly put anybody in a job. Do your scaling, of course. But that needs to stay constant.”
Pictured: Nylah Shah
Societal expectations and keeping our youth happy
Furthermore, Shah addresses the need for change in societal expectations, particularly regarding the “marriage market” for people in their 20s.
“The idea of the marriage market needs to go for people in their 20s, unless they really want to. It's good to have a plan from the government, because inflation is a factor. In the current economy, it's sky-high, so it's a factor. If you're not paying these kids, if they're not earning, they're not going to want to stay in the country. They're going to be attracted to the idea of more odd jobs like doing dishes, or working at McDonald's for $25 per hour jobs abroad.”
Shah wants the government to address such issues and maybe even consider including this in their election manifestos.
Social media's influence on politics
When discussing the role of media in shaping political perspectives, Shah is critical of social media's effectiveness in content improvement. She points out the negative impact of online content that focuses on political conflicts and angst, which she believes does not resonate with the youth. Shah calls for a more responsible and uplifting approach from content creators and influencers, emphasizing the need for media to positively represent political processes and encourage engagement, especially among younger audiences.
Trust in the electoral process
Reflecting on the electoral process, Shah stressed the importance of trust and the need for more positive examples to strengthen democracy. She recalled past elections marked by unrest and discrepancies, underscoring the need for fair and transparent electoral processes.
"It's all about trusting the electoral process. We're so young as a democracy, we need more examples to understand it better. Look at data examples, or product examples from Europe, for instance. We need to experience a few more elections. The ones I've seen in my adult life aren't enough to convince me that we're in a fair and great situation. There were discrepancies and political unrest issues, like the 91 days of blockades. Do you remember the political situation during our exam, the events around our O-level exams in 2013-14? These events don't paint a positive picture in my memory.”
She hopes to share positive experiences with future generations. Shah's vision is for future generations to view the electoral system as trustworthy, hoping to one day confidently share with her grandchildren a narrative of a robust and fair democratic process.
“This election holds significance. I'm assessing this at 28 years old, trying to understand the pattern. Are these elections fair? They seem superficial, like Barbie doll presentations. When I talk about this to my kids and students, and one day my grandchildren, I want to be able to confidently tell them that our electoral process is trustworthy and maintains a positive streak. We need more examples to establish this."
Kaniz Fatema is a sub-editor at Dhaka Tribune.
