53% of voters think interim government should stay two years or less: SIPG study

A recent study conducted by the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) of North South University (NSU) has revealed that 53% of voters believe the tenure of the interim government should be two years or less. The findings were unveiled at a seminar held today at the National Press Club, where the results of the national survey titled Citizens' Expectations from the Interim Government of Bangladesh were presented.

Conducted from September 9-19, 2024, the survey covered 17 districts across eight divisions, making it the first nationally representative survey conducted since the July Revolution.

Key findings from the survey include:

• Interim Government Tenure: 53% of respondents think the current interim government should remain in power for two years or less, while 47% believe it should last for three years or more.
• Political Party Affiliation: 46% of respondents are undecided about their political party affiliation, while 54% expressed interest in mainstream politics.
• Political Reforms: An overwhelming 96% support limiting the prime minister's tenure to only two terms, with 46% advocating for significant constitutional changes. Additionally, 16% of respondents called for a completely new constitution.
• Demographics: The majority of respondents (63%) are middle-aged (28-50 years), while 22% are from Generation Z (18-27 years) and 14% are above 50 years. Furthermore, 54% of respondents reside in urban areas, compared to 46% in rural areas.

The study highlighted citizens' satisfaction with the interim government's performance, particularly praising their flood management efforts in August and September. Respondents also expressed aspirations for reforms in various sectors, including policing, education, political systems, and electoral processes.

Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Secretary of SHUJAN and Head of the Electoral Reforms Commission, was the chief guest at the seminar. He remarked, "There is a contradiction between the trust and expectations reflected in the study. Fulfilling the common man's expectations is this government's biggest challenge." He emphasized the need for a change in the political structure and culture to ensure the benefits of fair elections.

Professor Salahuddin M. Aminuzzaman, Advisor to SIPG, noted, "Our Generation G is a very optimistic generation, and they are politically aware. The expectations of the common people towards the interim government are realistic. However, as confidence is high, so too are the opportunities. Thirty-six percent of the people want our Constitution to be reformed, and we should discuss where those reforms are necessary."

NSU's Professor Navine Murshid from the Department of Political Science and Sociology (PSS) highlighted critical concerns such as security and economic stability, noting a lack of trust in the police. "If unresolved, this distrust could extend to the government. Many years of autocratic rule have created a habit among the people; we want a new system through reform so that no ruler can become a dictator again," she said.

Dr. Akram Hossain, Assistant Professor at SIPG & PSS, NSU, presented the survey data and results. The program was moderated by Professor Mahbubur Rahman, Chairman of the Department of History and Philosophy and Member of CMS, SIPG, NSU. Professor Sk. Tawfique M. Haque, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Director of SIPG, also attended the event along with other researchers and research associates of SIPG.