In Finland’s 2025 municipal elections, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) achieved a historic victory, securing 23% of the vote and winning key cities like Tampere and Turku [Source: https://www.helsinkitimes.fi]. Amid this “red shift” in Finnish politics, a unique effort by Sunny Rabius Sunny, a Bangladeshi communications professional, captured attention: a song called “Vote er Gan” (The Song of Voting). Aimed at Finland’s Bangladeshi diaspora, the song sought to break voter apathy and encourage informed participation. With thousands of views on social media, “Vote er Gan” may have played a role in mobilizing a small but engaged community, aligning with SDP’s broader appeal to diverse voters.
A Song to Inspire Informed Voting
“Vote er Gan,” posted on Facebook by Sunny Rabius Sunny, gained 5,500 organic views in just seven days within Finland just before the voting days [Link to the video: https://www.facebook.com/sunny.rabius.sunny/videos/1230642371964667].
The song’s lyrics, sung in Bengali with a “Banglish” version, offer a neutral overview of Finnish political parties, from the left-leaning SDP to the right-wing Finns Party. Lines like “Vote for a good future, for job security” and “Understand and vote, because this is democracy” urge listeners to research party platforms and vote thoughtfully.
Sunny, currently working as a Communications Lead at Finnish carbon capture company Soletair Power, created the song to address political disengagement among Bangladeshi voters in Finland. “Many Bangladeshi voters here don’t feel engaged in local politics,” Sunny noted. “In Finland, every vote counts, unlike in Bangladesh, where elections often felt meaningless.” He reported receiving personal messages from community members who said the song prompted them to reconsider their votes after checking platforms like YLE Radar. While the song didn’t endorse any party, its focus on informed voting resonated with SDP’s campaign, which emphasized fairness and public services.
The Bangladeshi Community in Finland
Finland’s Bangladeshi community, estimated at 10,000–30,000, is a small but growing group, concentrated in cities like Helsinki, Tampere and Lappeenranta. Eligible voters—those with at least two years of continuous residence—can participate in municipal elections [Source: https://vaalit.fi]. Historically, voter turnout among immigrants is lower than among native Finns, with only 35.4% of 18–24-year-olds voting in 2021 [Source: https://www.ayy.fi].
“Vote er Gan” aimed to bridge this gap by making politics accessible and engaging through music, a powerful cultural medium.
The song’s neutral tone, describing parties like SDP as “left-leaning, supportive of immigrants and students,” aligned with issues like job security and public services, which SDP championed in its “Everything can be done more fairly” campaign [Source: https://yle.fi].
Impact on the 2025 Elections
The 2025 municipal elections marked a turning point for SDP, which rose from 18% in 2021 to 23%, overtaking the National Coalition Party (NCP) in several cities [Source: https://yle.fi]. Analysts attribute SDP’s success to public dissatisfaction with government austerity and a strong campaign slogan [Source: https://yle.fi]. While the Bangladeshi community’s votes alone couldn’t sway national results, their engagement in cities like Vantaa and Lappeenranta, where SDP won, may have contributed to localized gains [Source: https://www.helsinkitimes.fi].
Sunny claims the song influenced voters, with “many Bangladeshi candidates” responding to its message. 5,500 views suggest significant reach within a small community, and anecdotal feedback indicates it prompted voters to research parties. SDP’s immigrant-friendly policies, highlighted in the song, likely appealed to this demographic, amplifying the song’s indirect influence.
Influence on Voters:
- Increased Turnout: The song’s empowering message and reported 5,500 views suggest it boosted engagement among Bangladeshi voters, a group with historically low turnout (35.4% for young immigrants in 2021, per ). Higher turnout in urban areas like Vantaa could have supported SDP’s 2025 gains.
- Informed Voting: By encouraging research (e.g., YLE Radar), the song likely led voters to evaluate platforms, favoring SDP’s clear policies on jobs, services, and immigration over parties like the Finns Party, which it critiques.
- Alignment with SDP: While neutral, the song’s emphasis on immigrant-friendly policies (e.g., SDP, Left Alliance) and warnings against nationalist parties (e.g., Finns Party) subtly align with SDP’s 2025 campaign, which resonated with diverse voters. SDP’s 23% vote share reflects broader appeal, amplified by such grassroots efforts.
- Community Cohesion: The song fosters a sense of shared identity, encouraging collective action that strengthens the diaspora’s electoral voice, even if small (2,000–3,000 people).
Listen to the song on YouTube:
Vote er gan on Facebook:
Lyrics and Line-by-Line Analysis of Vote Er Gan
Verse 1
Bengali: ভোট মানে খালি ভালো কথা আর খাওয়া-দাওয়া না-রে ভাই
Banglish: Vote maane khali bhalo kotha aar, Khawa-dawa na-re bhai
English: Voting isn’t just sweet talk or feasting, oh brother.
- Message: This line challenges the perception that one can win people’s votes with just empty promises or superficial campaign events (e.g., free food), common in some Bangladeshi political contexts. It reframes voting as a serious act with real consequences.
- Power: The conversational tone (“oh brother”) and direct dismissal of “sweet talk” connect emotionally with voters disillusioned by Bangladeshi politics, where elections have historically been marred by corruption or apathy. It sets a tone of sincerity and urgency.
- Influence: Encourages voters to look beyond campaign rhetoric, prompting critical thinking about candidates’ substance. Voters are urged to evaluate policies over promises.
Bengali: ভোট মানে ভালো ফিউচার, জব এর নিশ্চয়তা চাই।
Banglish: Vote maane bhalo future, Job er nishchoyota chai.
English: Voting means a good future, we want job security.
- Message: Links voting to tangible outcomes like a better future and employment stability, key concerns for immigrants.
- Power: The aspirational language “good future” and specific mention of “job security” resonate with Bangladeshi voters facing economic challenges in Finland. It frames voting as a tool for personal empowerment.
- Influence: Motivates voters to prioritize parties addressing economic issues. Encourages research into party platforms, reducing apathy.
Verse 2
Bengali: রুল স্ট্রিক্ট হলো, ট্যাক্স বাড়লো জব হলো সোনার হরিণ
Banglish: Rule strict holo, tax barlo, Job holo shonar horin
English: Rules got stricter, taxes rose, jobs became like a golden deer.
- Message: Highlights challenges like tight regulations, high taxes, and elusive job opportunities, reflecting immigrant struggles in Finland’s economy. The “golden deer” metaphor (from folklore) underscores the difficulty of securing stable work.
- Power: The vivid imagery and relatable economic grievances create empathy, validating immigrant voters’ frustrations, especially with the current government.
- Influence: Urges voters to support parties with solutions to economic hardship, indirectly aligning with a focus on social equity. It prompts reflection on how policies affect daily life.
Bengali: এত কিছু দেখেও না বুঝলে আপনাকে বুঝানো কঠিন।
Banglish: Eto kichhu dekheo na bujhle, Apnake bojhhano kothin.
English: If you don’t understand after seeing all this, it’s hard to explain to you.
- Message: Challenges voters to take responsibility for understanding the electoral process, implying that ignorance is a choice given visible economic issues.
- Power: The direct address (“you”) and slight admonishment create a sense of personal accountability.
- Influence: Pushes voters to educate themselves (e.g., via YLE Radar), reducing reliance on hearsay. This empowers informed choices, potentially benefiting the party’s clear policy messaging.
Verse 3
Bengali: ফিনল্যান্ড এ থাকা বাংলাদেশীরা, শুনুন দিয়ে মন,
Banglish: Finland e thaka Bangladeshira, Shunun diye mon,
English: Bangladeshis living in Finland, listen with your heart.
- Message: Appeals directly to the Bangladeshi diaspora, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
- Power: The emotional plea (“with your heart”) and inclusive address strengthen cultural ties, making the song a rallying cry for collective action.
- Influence: Builds community pride and engagement, encouraging turnout.
Bengali: এই দেশ এর এই দল-গুলো নিয়ে জানুন ভাই ও বোন।
Banglish: Ei desh er ei dol-gulo niye janun Bhai o bon.
English: Learn about this country’s parties, brothers and sisters.
- Message: Urges voters to research Finnish political parties, emphasizing education as a precursor to voting.
- Power: The familial terms (“brothers and sisters”) create warmth and trust, while “learn” empowers voters to take initiative.
- Influence: Prompts voters to explore party platforms. Increases the likelihood of informed voting.
Verse 4
Bengali: বাম পন্থী, ডান পন্থী এটুকু একটু বুঝতে হবে
Banglish: Baam ponthi, daan ponthi Etuku ektu bujhte hobe
English: You need to understand a bit about left-wing and right-wing.
- Message: Introduces the ideological spectrum, simplifying Finnish politics for newcomers unfamiliar with terms like “left” and “right.”
- Power: The straightforward language demystifies complex concepts, making politics accessible. It respects the audience’s intelligence while educating.
- Influence: Equips voters with basic political literacy, enabling them to evaluate parties like SDP (left) versus Kokoomus (right). This clarity supports informed choices aligned with personal values.
Bengali: কোন পার্টি কে ভোট দিলে আপনার ভবিষ্যৎ ভালো হবে।
Banglish: Kon party ke vote dile Apnar bhobishshot bhalo hobe.
English: Which party will make your future better if you vote for them.
- Message: Frames voting as a strategic choice for personal and community well-being, emphasizing long-term impact.
- Power: The question format engages listeners, prompting self-reflection on their priorities (e.g., jobs, education).
- Influence: Encourages voters to align their votes with their goals, potentially favoring parties focusing on immigrant welfare.
Verse 5 (Party Descriptions)
Bengali: এসডিপি (SDP) বাম-পন্থী, থাকে ইমিগ্র্যান্ট আর স্টুডেন্ট এর পাশে।
Banglish: SDP baam-ponthi, Thake immigrant aar student er pashe.
English: SDP is left-wing, stands by immigrants and students.
- Message: Describes SDP as supportive of immigrants and students, highlighting its inclusive policies.
- Power: The concise, positive framing makes SDP appealing to the diaspora, many of whom are students or immigrants. It’s factual yet emotionally resonant.
- Influence: Likely sways voters toward SDP by aligning with their identity and needs, reinforcing its 2025 campaign strengths.
Bengali: কোকোমুস (Kokoomus) ডান-পন্থী, থাকে ব্যবসায়ী আর ফিনিশ-দের পাশে।
Banglish: Kokoomus daan-ponthi, Thake business-i aar Finnish-der pashe.
English: Kokoomus is right-wing, stands by businesses and Finns.
- Message: Positions Kokoomus as business-oriented and focused on native Finns, potentially less relevant to immigrants.
- Power: The neutral tone maintains fairness, but the contrast with SDP subtly highlights differences in priorities.
- Influence: Indirectly favors left-wing parties by clarifying ideological differences.
Bengali: সেন্টার পার্টি (Centre Party) থাকে মাঝামাঝি, করে ফার্মারদের উন্নয়ন,
Banglish: Centre Party thake majhamajhi, kore farmer-der unnoyon,
English: Centre Party is centrist, works for farmers’ development.
- Message: Describes the Centre Party as moderate, focused on rural and agricultural interests.
- Power: The neutral description informs without persuading, maintaining the song’s educational tone. It’s less relevant to urban immigrants.
- Influence: Likely has minimal impact on Bangladeshi voters, as farming is not a primary concern, keeping focus on urban-focused parties.
Bengali: গ্রীনস (Greens) বলে তারা গাছ ভালোবাসে, কমাবে নাকি এমিশন।
Banglish: Greens bole tara Gaachh bhalobashe, komabe naki emission.
English: Greens say they love trees, they’ll reduce emissions.
- Message: Highlights the Greens’ environmental focus, appealing to climate-conscious voters.
- Power: The playful tone (“love trees”) makes the Greens approachable, while “reduce emissions” ties to global concerns, relevant to educated immigrants.
- Influence: May attract environmentally minded voters.
Bengali: লেফট অ্যালায়েন্স (Left Alliance) বামপন্থী, চায় মাইনোরিটি আর ইমিগ্র্যান্টদের অধিকার,
Banglish: Left Alliance baam-ponthi, Chay minority aar immigrant-der odhikar,
English: Left Alliance is left-wing, wants rights for minorities and immigrants.
- Message: Emphasizes the Left Alliance’s advocacy for minority and immigrant rights.
- Power: The focus on rights resonates strongly with immigrants, reinforcing the song’s theme of empowerment through voting.
- Influence: Could split votes with some other left-wing parties, might make it the preferred choice for Bangladeshi voters.
Bengali: পেরুস সুওমালাইনেন (Perussuomalaiset) ডানপন্থী, চায় শুধু ফিনিশদের জয়জয়কার।
Banglish: Perussuomalaiset Daan-ponthi, chay shudhu Finnish-der joyjoykar.
English: Finns Party is right-wing, wants only Finns to triumph.
- Message: Portrays the Finns Party as nationalist, prioritizing native Finns, which may alienate immigrants.
- Power: The critical tone (“only Finns”) subtly discourages support for the Finns Party, aligning with immigrant interests.
- Influence: Strongly dissuades votes for the Finns Party.
Bengali: সুইডিশ পার্টি (Swedish People’s Party) আছে সুইডিশ ভাষাভাষীদের জন্য
Banglish: Swedish (People’s) Party achhe Swedish bhashabhashi-der jonno
English: Swedish People’s Party is for Swedish-speaking Finns.
- Message: Identifies the Swedish Party’s niche focus on linguistic minorities.
- Power: The neutral description informs without persuading, maintaining fairness.
- Influence: Minimal impact, as the party’s focus is unrelated to Bangladeshi concerns.
Bengali: ক্রিশ্চিয়ান ডেমোক্র্যাটস (Christian Democrats) চায় তাদের ধর্ম হোক ধন্য।
Banglish: Christian Democrats chay tader dhormo hok dhonno.
English: Christian Democrats want their religion to be blessed.
- Message: Notes the Christian Democrats’ religious focus, likely less appealing to a predominantly Muslim Bangladeshi community.
- Power: The neutral tone informs, but the religious emphasis may distance listeners, reinforcing secular party appeal.
- Influence: Likely discourages votes for Christian Democrats.
Verse 6
Bengali: কিসে নিজের ভালো হবে, একটু বুঝে নিন
Banglish: Kishe nijer bhalo hobe, ektu bujhe nin
English: Understand what will benefit you.
- Message: Encourages voters to prioritize their own interests through research and reflection.
- Power: The direct, empowering language fosters agency, urging proactive engagement with politics.
- Influence: Prompts voters to evaluate parties based on personal needs.
Bengali: আপনাকে কোন দল রাখবে ভালো সেটায় ফোকাস দিন।
Banglish: Apnake kon dol rakhbe bhalo shetay focus din.
English: Focus on which party will keep you well.
- Message: Reinforces the need to choose a party aligned with personal and community welfare.
- Power: The focus on “you” personalizes the call to action, making voting feel relevant and impactful.
- Influence: Strengthens intent to vote for parties that address immigrant concerns, like jobs and services.
Verse 7
Bengali: জব এর প্রমিস, আর ফাঁকা বুলি শুনে পটবেন না রে ভাই,
Banglish: Job er promise, aar faka buli shune potben na re bhai,
English: Don’t be swayed by job promises or empty talk, brother.
- Message: Warns against falling for superficial campaign promises, echoing the song’s opening.
- Power: The skeptical tone and “brother” address build trust, reinforcing the need for critical evaluation.
- Influence: Discourages votes for parties with vague promises.
Bengali: কোন দল আসলেই আপনার কথা ভাবে সেটা বোঝা চাই।
Banglish: Kon dol asholei apnar kotha bhabe sheta bojha chai.
English: You need to understand which party truly cares about you.
- Message: Urges voters to identify parties genuinely committed to their interests.
- Power: The emphasis on “truly” and direct address create a sense of urgency and discernment.
- Influence: Encourages scrutiny of party platforms, likely benefiting some party’s transparent, inclusive messaging.
Chorus (Repeated)
Bengali: নিজের হাতে-ই নিজের জীবন, নিজের হাতেই ভাগ্য,
Banglish: Nijer hate-i nijer jibon, nijer hatei bhaggo,
English: Your life is in your hands, your fate is in your hands.
- Message: Empowers voters by emphasizing their control over their future through voting.
- Power: The repetitive, anthemic quality and empowering message inspire action and confidence. It’s a universal call.
- Influence: Boosts voter turnout by making voting feel consequential.
Bengali: বুঝে শুনে ভোট দিয়েন, কারণ এটাই গণতন্ত্র।
Banglish: Bujhe shune vote diyen, karon etai democracy.
English: Vote thoughtfully, because this is democracy.
- Message: Defines democracy as informed voting, tying personal action to a larger ideal.
- Power: The phrase “this is democracy” elevates voting to a noble act, resonating with immigrants valuing Finland’s democratic system.
- Influence: Reinforces commitment to vote.
Overall Message and Influence
Core Message: “Vote er Gan” urges the Bangladeshi community in Finland to overcome political apathy, educate themselves about Finnish parties, and vote thoughtfully based on their interests (e.g., jobs, security, rights). It contrasts Finland’s genuine democracy with Bangladesh’s troubled electoral history, empowering voters to shape their future.
Power of the Lyrics:
- Cultural Resonance: The use of Bengali, familial terms (“brother,” “sisters”), and folklore (“golden deer”) creates a strong emotional connection, making politics relatable to a community often disconnected from Finnish systems.
- Educational Clarity: The neutral, concise descriptions of parties simplify Finland’s political landscape.
- Empowerment: Repeated calls to “understand,” “focus,” and “vote thoughtfully” foster agency, countering apathy with a sense of purpose.
- Emotional Appeal: The anthemic chorus and aspirational themes (e.g., “your fate is in your hands”) inspire action, while warnings against “empty talk” build trust and skepticism.
A Model for Community Engagement
“Vote er Gan” demonstrates how cultural initiatives can boost civic participation among immigrant communities. By using music to simplify Finland’s political landscape, Sunny Rabius Sunny created a tool that resonated with Bangladeshi voters, encouraging them to engage in a democratic process often seen as distant. The song’s success highlights the potential of grassroots efforts to support broader electoral trends, like SDP’s 2025 victory.
For more on Sunny’s work, connect via his professional network [Verified: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunnyrabiussunny/]. To explore SDP’s 2025 campaign, visit their official site [Source: https://www.sdp.fi]. As Finland’s immigrant communities grow, initiatives like “Vote er Gan” could inspire future voter engagement, shaping the nation’s democratic landscape.
