Three-quarters of voters equate development with roads, bridges: CPD survey

More than three-quarters of voters in Bangladesh equate development with the construction of roads, bridges and culverts as well as job creation, reflecting a predominantly infrastructure-focused mindset that shapes electoral choices, according to a new survey by the Centre for Policy Dialogue.

The findings were presented yesterday at a press briefing at the BRAC Centre Inn in Dhaka's Mohakhali under the title "Green and Sustainable Economy in Electoral Areas: Expectations of Voters and Candidates." CPD Research Director Khondaker Golam Moazzem highlighted the key results.

According to the survey, 76.7% of voters identified road and bridge construction as a primary indicator of development, while 77.1% associated development with employment opportunities for all. As much as 86% of urban voters, along with 79% of respondents from the Chattogram Hill Tracts and coastal zones, viewed roads and bridges as central to progress.

The perception is even stronger in climate-vulnerable regions facing overlapping risks. In Barind-urban areas, 90% of voters equated development with road and bridge construction, rising to 92% in coastal-river system urban zones.

Although environmental concerns are widespread, they do not necessarily translate into a willingness to prioritise green protection over infrastructure expansion. The survey found that 93.4% of voters in climate-vulnerable constituencies consider the environment important. However, 71.1% are unwilling to prioritise environmental protection over building new roads and bridges.

Voters also perceive environmental problems as more severe than political representatives do. Nationwide, 73.4% of voters identified air pollution as a major challenge in their areas, while 53.2% highlighted floods and cyclones.

Khondaker Golam Moazzem observed that, despite growing exposure to air pollution, rising temperatures and related health risks, public responses remain shaped by "traditional" approaches. 

"People are slow to act against the main causes of pollution, such as brick kilns, chemical factories, and those who occupy rivers. Controlling powerful groups and illegal factories will be key to protecting the environment in the future," he said.

The survey covered 1,200 voters, 450 candidates and their nominated representatives across 150 electoral areas in 58 districts spanning all eight divisions. It examined perceptions, expectations and policy priorities across three pillars: environment, green economy and social development.