Most citizens hopeful of higher growth, sceptical about public institutions, survey shows
The Datasense-TBS survey gauges public sentiment on key issues post-July uprising
Most citizens are optimistic about the country's overall economic growth this year and have greater confidence in some key institutions, with the armed forces topping the list in the period of the post-July uprising, says a citizens' confidence survey conducted in January this year. However, they are sceptical about some public institutions, such as the police, and are worried that the current economic hardships may prolong and the cost of living may rise further this year, the survey finds.
Though their views differ on the timing of the next national election, they hold high hopes for electoral reforms, positive changes in politics, and improvements in corruption and law and order scenarios, according to the survey conducted by the research organisation DataSense in collaboration with The Business Standard for their joint publication, Economic Intelligence Bangladesh (EIB).
Findings from the survey present a mixed economic outlook, with 57% of respondents optimistic about economic growth, though 16% foresee a downturn and 17% remain uncertain, reflecting both confidence and caution. Despite 24% of households reporting improved economic conditions post-July 2024, a significant 41% face worsening financial strain, highlighting concerns over inflation, job security, and financial stability, reveals the survey titled "Bangladesh in Transition: A Citizens' Confidence Survey 2025."
Armed forces top in public confidence
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The survey finds that institutional trust varies widely—while the Armed Forces (72%), Election Commission (45%), and Judiciary (46%) have gained public confidence, scepticism lingers towards the police (42% trust, 27% distrust) and the Anti-Corruption Commission, with many respondents withholding opinions on its effectiveness. Respondents were asked to express their degree of confidence in key institutions post-July uprising, with options ranging from "much more trust" to "no opinion." The share of respondents expressing higher confidence in the judiciary and Election Commission is much lower than for the armed forces, the survey findings show.
Notably, over 50% of respondents expressed no opinion on institutions like the Supreme Court and Bangladesh Bank, signalling a need for greater transparency and public engagement. The share of 'no opinion' is almost half of the citizen-respondents for a few of the institutions, indicating significant doubt among citizens about those institutions.
The print media saw the highest 'no opinion'—57%, followed by the Supreme Court, Bangladesh Bank, Anti-Corruption Commission, and Election Commission.
Fears of price hike
Despite a relatively high level of optimism about higher growth compared to last year, 43% of respondents fear a rise in essential prices and 41% expect a price fall, meaning that different groups of citizens are receiving different market signals.
Citizens seemed less optimistic about the recovery of assets stolen and laundered abroad, with hardly a fifth of respondents expecting most or a significant portion of the laundered money to be recovered. Respondents list challenges for the interim government, giving priority to controlling commodity prices and inflation, improving law and order, creating jobs, restoring political stability, and improving the health and education sectors.
Election not a prime concern
When asked when they want the next parliamentary election to take place, no timeline received a majority. Close to half suggested 'by the end of 2025' and a fifth of respondents opted for 'beyond June 2026.' Almost a quarter did not share their view on this, suggesting that the election is not among their prime concerns. But they have much to expect from the next elected government whenever it comes: controlling prices and syndicates in the supply chain, ensuring public security, reducing corruption, and improving health and education. Also High on their expectations are issues like: improved service at public institutions, protecting freedom of speech, preventing money laundering, controlling extremism and militancy, dignified foreign policy, and ensuring the security of minorities.
The survey was conducted from 2 to 25 January 2025 to gauge public sentiment on key issues as Bangladesh stepped into a new year amid echoes of the July-August 2024 uprising.
Optimistic about economic growth
Giving their views on opportunities created after the July uprising, respondents are hopeful about curbing corruption, improving education, economic growth, and more job creation. But they are less confident about an improved political environment, reduction in discrimination, improving health, and growth of foreign reserves. The comprehensive mobile phone survey on 973 citizens across all eight administrative divisions offers a snapshot of the people's mood and expectations on how the student-led uprising continues to reshape the nation's political, economic, and social landscape. A wide range of thematic questions was covered in the survey, exploring the citizens' confidence in institutions, economic outlook, political stability and governance, reforms, election timelines, and the interim government's leadership. Additionally, the survey probed social issues, including corruption, law and order, and priorities for the next elected government. The sample selection was designed to be statistically representative, ensuring inclusivity across age, gender, socioeconomic status, and urban-rural divides. The DataSense-TBS survey, which captures the mood of a nation navigating a significant moment in its history, says while optimism about economic growth and institutional reform offers hope, significant challenges remain. Addressing economic disparities, rebuilding trust in key institutions, and ensuring transparent governance will be critical to sustaining public confidence and fostering long-term stability, survey findings indicate.
"As Bangladesh moves forward, the insights from this survey serve as a vital resource for policymakers, businesses, and civil society to align their efforts with the needs and aspirations of the people," says Wasel Bin Shadat, who led the survey. Ananya Raihan, chief imaginator of DataSense, supervised the survey and the team also included Sadiq Mahmood and Munzeleen Sarwar.
The nationwide omnibus mobile phone survey (MPS), conducted in January, applied the random digit dialing (RDD) technique to generate a probability sample. The sample consists of citizens from the target population (aged 17 and above who use a mobile phone) and is representative at the Division-level (by using Divisional quota sampling). The survey findings are adjusted to match with national Census, 2022 characteristics.
The full survey findings will appear in the next issue of the Economic Intelligence Bangladesh (EIB)
