July Uprising brought increased public confidence in key institutions, EIB survey shows

For our detailed findings, visit: https://intel.tbsnews.net

Nearly 72% of surveyed citizens expressed greater confidence in the armed forces, followed by Judiciary (46%) and Election Commission (45%) since pre-July 2024, according to the Economic Intelligence Bangladesh (EIB), a research publication by The Business Standard and DataSense.

This reflects a broader rise in trust in key state institutions. However, citizens are sceptical about some public institutions, such as the police. 

On the other hand, a significant portion of respondents expressed doubt, with 'no opinion' responses highest for print media (57%), Supreme Court (51%), Bangladesh Bank (50%), Anti-Corruption Commission (47%), and Election Commission (40%) according to the survey results published in the EIB's tenth issue on 2 March.

The nationwide survey titled "Bangladesh in Transition: A Citizens' Confidence Survey 2025" aims to gauge people's confidence in the interim government and key state institutions, and their thoughts on the country's economic and political landscape post July uprising.

On the economy, the findings present a mixed 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 period, a significant 41% face worsening financial strain, highlighting concerns over inflation, job security, and financial stability.

Despite optimism about growth, 43% fear rising prices, while 41% expect a drop, reflecting mixed market signals. 

Only a fifth believe stolen assets abroad will be largely recovered. 

Key challenges for the interim government include controlling inflation, improving law and order, creating jobs, restoring stability, and enhancing health and education.

Those surveyed also express worries that the current economic hardships may prolong and the cost of living may rise further this year.

On the topic of election timing no clear majority emerged, with nearly half favouring 'by end-2025' and a fifth choosing 'beyond June 2026.' 

Almost a quarter gave no opinion, indicating low urgency. 

However, expectations from the next government remain high, including price control, public security, corruption reduction, and improvements in health, education, public services, free speech, anti-money laundering, extremism control, foreign policy, and minority security.

Overall, respondents are optimistic about post-July opportunities, expecting progress in curbing corruption, education, economic growth, and job creation. However, confidence is lower in political stability, reducing discrimination, improving health, and increasing foreign reserves.

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 opinions of 973 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.