55% of the respondents felt that the opposition parties should participate in the upcoming elections even if the demands of the caretaker government are not met.
In a recent survey conducted by the US-based International Republican Institute (IRI), public opinion regarding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s performance and the political climate in Bangladesh was analyzed. The survey, titled ‘National Survey of Bangladesh, March-April 2023,’ sheds light on the sentiments of the Bangladeshi population across various aspects of governance, elections, and economic conditions.
You can also read: US Welcomes Bangladesh’s Move to Revise Digital Security Act
Support for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
The survey revealed that a significant majority of respondents, 70 percent, expressed confidence in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership. The survey sample consisted of 5,000 participants aged 18 years or older, hailing from 64 districts across the country. The strong endorsement of Prime Minister Hasina’s performance indicates her sustained popularity among the public.
Public interest in elections
The survey highlights that 92 percent of the respondents expressed their intention to participate in the next national election, showcasing a keen interest in the democratic process. Among these respondents, 57 percent indicated being “very likely” to vote. However, concerns about electoral fraud and voter registration challenges were cited as barriers by those who expressed hesitancy to vote.
Opposition participation and electoral system
Interestingly, despite the prevailing support for Prime Minister Hasina’s leadership, 55 percent of survey participants believed that opposition parties should take part in the upcoming elections, even if the demands of the caretaker government are not met. This sentiment underscores a desire for inclusivity and competitive elections.
Assessment of Sheikh Hasina’s performance
The survey provided participants with five options to assess Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s performance. The results showed a nuanced perspective:
- 30 percent rated her performance as ‘very good’
- 40 percent deemed her performance as ‘fairly good’
- 20 percent expressed that her performance was ‘fairly bad’
- 10 percent labeled her performance as ‘very bad’
- 1 percent refrained from commenting or were unsure
Direction of the country
The survey explored the public’s perception of the country’s direction, indicating a shift in sentiment. While 44 percent of respondents felt that Bangladesh was heading in the right direction, a decrease from the previous survey’s 76 percent (conducted in September 2019), 53 percent of participants believed otherwise. Economic improvement, quality of life, and infrastructure development were cited as reasons for positive perceptions, while rising commodity prices and corruption were identified as negative influencers.
Economic and security perceptions
Regarding the country’s economy, 45 percent of respondents expressed satisfaction, with 16 percent considering it ‘very good’. Conversely, 30 percent deemed the economic situation as ‘bad’ and 21 percent as ‘very bad’. In terms of the security situation, 61 percent had a favorable view, while 36 percent considered it unsatisfactory.
Dissatisfaction with political stability and economy
Notably, the survey highlighted an increasing dissatisfaction with political stability and the economy. While 44 percent of participants expressed contentment with political stability, 47 percent were dissatisfied. This trend reflects a growing concern about the nation’s political landscape.
Future economic outlook
Looking ahead, opinions about the economic outlook were divided. 26 percent anticipated a ‘good’ economic situation in the coming year, while 32 percent believed it would remain unchanged. However, 36 percent predicted a worsening economic scenario, signifying a notable shift from previous surveys.
Conclusion
The ‘National Survey of Bangladesh, March-April 2023’ conducted by IRI offers valuable insights into the perceptions and preferences of the Bangladeshi populace. The survey indicates substantial support for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, with considerations for opposition participation in elections and concerns about the country’s trajectory. These findings provide a comprehensive snapshot of the current political and social landscape in Bangladesh, serving as a basis for further analysis and discussions.
