86.5% support national election in February, 56% don’t understand PR, 94% want to cast votes: Survey
More than half, 56%, were unfamiliar with the concept of Proportional Representation (PR) in an upper house of parliament
Highlights:
- 94.3% of respondents intend to vote in the 2026 national elections.
- 86.5% want the polls held in February 2026 as scheduled.
- 78.7% rated the interim government's performance as good or moderate.
- 69.9% believe the government can ensure a free and fair election, while 77.5% feel they can vote safely.
- 56.6% said extortion has increased in the past six months, especially noted by urban and young groups.
- Over 56% were unfamiliar with the idea of Proportional Representation in parliament, with support stronger among the young and educated.
A recent survey shows 94.3% of respondents intend to cast their ballots in the upcoming national elections, while 86.5% believe the polls should be held in February 2026 as scheduled.
The survey, conducted by Innovision Consulting as part of its "People's Election Pulse Survey, Round 2," covered 10,413 responders across all eight divisions of the country.
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More than half, 56%, were unfamiliar with the concept of Proportional Representation (PR) in an upper house of parliament.
Among those aware, support outstripped opposition, especially among young and educated respondents, per the findings unveiled today (21 September) at a roundtable at The Daily Star Bhaban's Azimur Rahman Conference Hall in the capital.
The event was organised by Innovision Consulting, in collaboration with the citizens' platform Voice for Reform and the Bangladesh Research Analysis & Information Network (BRAIN).
Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser, attended as chief guest, while Md Rubaiyath Sarwar, managing director of Innovision and lead researcher of the survey, presented the findings.
Other participants included Saimum Parvez, academic in political analysis and communication; AKM Fahim Mashroor, CEO of Bdjobs.com; Barrister Rashna Imam, advocate of the Supreme Court; and Shafiqur Rahman, executive director of BRAIN.
A total of 69.9% expressed confidence that the government can hold a free and fair election, while 77.5% believe they can vote safely and without fear
The survey gauged public sentiment on the interim government, electoral environment, law and order, and prospects for electoral reform ahead of the scheduled February 2026 polls.
According to the findings, 78.7% of respondents rated the interim government's performance as "good" or "moderate." However, approval was lower among younger, more educated and urban residents.
Yet skepticism about the impartiality of the police and the administration was higher among urban and younger voters.
Some 56.6% of respondents felt extortion has increased in the past six months — a view stronger among urban, younger and higher-income groups. Social media emerged as the main source of information on the issue, particularly for the young and educated.
