Dhaka, Jan. 2 -- Nearly 15 million are first-time voters among a total of around 120 million electorates on top of 10 million others who are also youths.

The ruling Awami League is seeing these 25 million young voters as one of the key factors for a satisfactory turnout amid the BNP's boycott of the general election.

"Our main target is the young voters who are casting ballots for the first time," Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said after the announcement of the schedule by the Election Commission.

The party's manifesto announced by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also emphasises job-oriented education and employment for the youth.

Analysts also believe the presence, or absence, of youths will impact the voter turnout.

"I...