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Brac University Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) Survey on Election

A recent survey conducted by the Brac University Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) has revealed that 38% of Bangladeshis are still undecided about who to vote for in an upcoming election. The survey, which was conducted between 15 October and 31 October 2024, found that 16% of respondents would vote for the BNP, 11% for Jamaat-e-Islami, and 9% for the Awami League, which was ousted in a mass uprising on 5 August. 2% of respondents would vote for any new political party formed by students, while just 1% would vote for the Jatiya Party.

Survey collected data from 4,158 men and women from all districts (51% rural and 49% urban population) through a telephone survey. It found that the July uprising led to a rise in expectations in August, but when these expectations were not met as anticipated, people began worrying about their future. The results showed that 56% of respondents believe Bangladesh is on the correct path, while 34% believe it is headed in the wrong direction.

Findings contrast with the BIGD Pulse Survey conducted in August 2024, where 71% of people expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s political future, while 12% expressed pessimism. The interim government has had to tackle many challenges, but after the July uprising, the government instilled a sense of euphoria in the public, raising expectations but not presenting reality. The inflation of expectations was likely a result of the government’s messaging, which needs to be reassessed.

Views expressed in this article are the Brac University’s own.