A survey carried out by the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) at North South University reveals that 53 per cent voters of Bangladesh believe that the interim government should last two years or less, while 47 per cent think it should be three years or more.
The findings were unveiled at a seminar held at the National Press Club in the capital on Wednesday.
The national survey, titled ‘Citizens' Expectations from the Interim Government of Bangladesh’, involved 1,869 participants across 17 districts in eight divisions from September 9 to September 19.
The survey results underscored a critical moment in Bangladesh’s political landscape, as citizens expressed their expectations and concerns regarding governance and reform. According to the survey report, the demographic breakdown of respondents shows that 63 per cent are middle-aged (between 28 and 50 years), 22 per cent are from Generation Z (ages 18-27), and 14 per cent are over 50.
Additionally, 54 per cent of participants reside in urban areas, while 46 per cent live in rural regions.
While a slight majority (53%) advocates for a shorter tenure for the interim government, 47 per cent favour an extension of three years or more.
Notably, 46 per cent of respondents indicated uncertainty regarding their political party affiliation, although 54 per cent expressed interest in mainstream politics. The survey also highlighted overwhelming support for limiting the prime minister's term, with 96 per cent in favour.
Furthermore, 46 per cent of participants believe that significant constitutional reforms are necessary, and 16 per cent advocate for the adoption of an entirely new constitution.
In a positive reflection of public sentiment, the survey indicated satisfaction with the interim government's management, particularly in flood response efforts during August and September.
Citizens also voiced their aspirations for reforms in various sectors, including the police force, education system, political framework, and electoral processes.
The seminar featured prominent speakers, including Badiul Alam Majumdar, chief guest of the Electoral System Reform Commission and Secretary of Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujan), along with SIPG Adviser Prof Salahuddin M Aminuzzaman and Prof Navin Murshid from the Department of Political Science and Sociology at NSU.
The results of the survey were presented by Assistant Professor Akram Hossain, while the event was moderated by SIPG CMS member and NSU Chairman Mahbubur Rahman.
