Businesspeople, farmers back BNP; students, private employees favour Jamaat: Survey
Among students, Jamaat leads with 27.6%, slightly ahead of BNP’s 25.7%. Private-sector employees and NGO workers support BNP 34.4% and Jamaat 28.7%, while the unemployed favour BNP 37.4% and Jamaat 22.1%.
A recent survey has shown clear occupational divides in political support ahead of the February 2026 national elections, with businesspeople, farmers, and the working class favouring BNP, while students and private-sector employees lean toward Jamaat-e-Islami.
The findings are from the People's Election Pulse Survey Round 2 – Part 3, conducted between 2 and 15 September among 10,413 voters. The survey was a collaboration between Innovision Consulting and private research organisations BRAIN and Voice for Reform.
Md Rubaiyath Sarwar, managing director of Innovision Consulting, presented the results today (13 October) at an event titled "Social Dynamics on Electoral Preference" at the BDBL Building in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka.
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Among businesspeople, 37.9% support BNP, 24.3% Jamaat, 15.9% Awami League, 2.7% Islami Andolan Bangladesh, 1.6% NCP, and 15.4% did not comment. Farmers back BNP 39.2%, Jamaat 27.9%, and Awami League 16.1%. Homemakers favour BNP 33.8% and Jamaat 22.5%, while the working class supports BNP 37.7% and Jamaat 26.6%.
Among students, Jamaat leads with 27.6%, slightly ahead of BNP's 25.7%. Private-sector employees and NGO workers support BNP 34.4% and Jamaat 28.7%, while the unemployed favour BNP 37.4% and Jamaat 22.1%.
Fahim Mashroor, co-convener of Voice for Reform, said, "This survey shows that voters' professions and social status strongly influence their political choices. Parties should take these factors into account when planning their election strategies."
Voter satisfaction with local political activities
The survey also measured voter satisfaction with local political activities. Jamaat received 30.4% satisfaction, NCP 23.7%, and BNP 21%.
Complete satisfaction was reported by 13.7% for Jamaat, 9.1% for NCP, and 8.2% for BNP, while very satisfied voters were 16.7%, 13.8%, and 12.8% respectively. Moderate satisfaction stood at 17% for Jamaat, 17.4% for NCP, and 18.4% for BNP.
Dissatisfaction was highest for BNP at 27.6%, compared to 19.7% for Jamaat and 17% for NCP.
Rubaiyath said, "Our survey shows important differences in voting behaviour based on profession, gender, and age. Knowledge about the Proportional Representation (PR) system is much lower among women—about 69% know little or nothing, compared to 45% of men, a gender gap of nearly 25%.
"Indecision is also higher among women, with 48% not yet decided whom they will vote for or whether they will participate. When asked, 'What kind of Bangladesh do you want in the future?' it appeared that women's political participation is limited, focusing on social security, controlling inflation, and education and health issues."
He added, "Indecision is also highest among Generation Z voters, many of whom are unsure about government programs, electoral promises, and whether the election will be conducted fairly. The survey shows that 34% of voters are young, and a large portion will decide closer to the election. Among NCP voters, young voters are relatively more present, although the party's overall support remains limited."
Rubaiyath also said, "These insights are crucial for political parties. Understanding voters' mindsets by gender, age, and profession will help parties devise effective strategies. Our key message is that the upcoming national election will be highly competitive. Female voters, Generation Z, and minority voters will play a decisive role.
"Another important point is that most respondents believe Bangladesh should maintain good relations with both India and Pakistan. This sends a clear message to parties—voters expect a balanced foreign policy stance."
