A recent survey conducted by the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) at North South University reveals that 53% of voters believe the interim government should remain in power for two years or less, while 47% favor a term of three years or more.
The findings were presented at an event held at the National Press Club on Wednesday, October 2.
The survey was conducted between September 9 and September 19, covering 1,869 respondents from 17 districts across eight divisions. This is the first direct national survey conducted since the July uprising.
According to the survey, 96% of respondents believe there should be a limit on the Prime Minister’s term. Additionally, 46% feel constitutional changes are necessary, and 16% want a new constitution altogether. The respondents included 63% from the middle age group (28-50 years), 22% from Generation Z (18-27 years), and 14% over the age of 50.
The survey also shows that 54% of respondents reside in urban areas, while 46% live in rural areas. Furthermore, 46% of respondents were unsure about their political affiliation, while 54% expressed interest in mainstream politics.
Participants expressed satisfaction with the current interim government’s performance, particularly in managing floods in August and September. There was also a strong desire for reforms in Bangladesh’s police force, education system, political landscape, and electoral process.
The event’s keynote speaker was Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, the head of the Electoral Reform Commission and Secretary of the civil society organization Sujon (Citizens for Good Governance). Other speakers included Professor Salahuddin M. Aminuzzaman, advisor to SIPG, and Professor Navin Murshid from North South University’s Political Science and Sociology Department (PSS).
Dr. Akram Hossain, Assistant Professor at SIPG and PSS, presented the survey findings, and the session was moderated by Professor Mahbubur Rahman, Chair of NSU’s History and Philosophy Department and member of SIPG’s CMS.
