Dhaka, Nov 23 (V7N) – A recent survey by VOA Bangla shows that while 61.1% of Bangladeshis support holding general elections within a year, a larger portion—65.9%—prioritize completing necessary reforms before the polls. This reflects strong public backing for a well-prepared democratic process.

Conducted by ORG-Quest Research Limited under VOA Bangla’s oversight, the survey collected responses from 1,000 individuals aged 18 and above across eight divisions. Using a computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) method between October 13 and 27, the survey had a 3.1% margin of error.

Opinions on Election Timing
Among respondents, 31.9% prefer elections after urgent reforms, 18.7% support polls within two to three years, 8.6% favor elections within 18 months, and 5.8% suggest postponing them for four years or more.

A small percentage (4.6%) expressed uncertainty about election timing, while 1.1% refrained from commenting. Preferences differed slightly between urban and rural areas, with 60.4% of urban and 61.4% of rural participants favoring elections within a year. Gender-wise, 65% of women supported early elections compared to 57.3% of men.

Reform Over Expediency
The majority (65.9%) emphasized completing all reforms before elections. Key areas of reform include:

  • Electoral Commission: 96.5% support.
  • Police: 92.3% support.
  • Judiciary: 95.3% support.
  • Economy: 96.4% support.
  • Constitution: 92.5% support.

Only 31.9% prioritized elections after addressing urgent electoral reforms.

Performance of the Interim Government
The survey evaluated public perception of the interim government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus since August 8, after the Awami League administration. While 59.5% rated its performance positively, 40.5% considered it comparable to or worse than its predecessor.

Urban respondents (61.9%) and men (62%) were more likely to approve of the interim government than rural participants (57.3%) and women (54.8%).

Law and Order Perspectives
Regarding security, 63.2% felt the interim government handled law and order better than the previous administration. However, personal safety views were split, with 49.8% reporting improved safety under the interim government and 49.9% seeing no change or a decline.

Election Roadmap Challenges
The lack of a clear election roadmap has drawn criticism from political parties, civil society, and international stakeholders. While prioritizing reforms, Dr. Yunus hinted in a November 17 speech, marking 100 days in office, that a timeline might be announced post-reforms. He also acknowledged potential delays if further time is required.

This survey underscores public demand for aligning reforms and election plans with democratic principles and expectations.

Upcoming Insights
VOA Bangla intends to publish additional findings, providing deeper analysis of public views on governance, reforms, and election processes in Bangladesh.

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