TBT DESK: A nationwide survey has indicated that more than 90 per cent of voters in Bangladesh are expected to participate in the upcoming general election, reflecting strong public interest alongside persistent concerns over electoral safety and fairness.

The findings were unveiled on Wednesday at the VIP Lounge of the National Press Club during the release of the research report titled “Uncovering the Public Pulse: A Nationwide Survey.” The study draws on interviews with more than 11,000 voters conducted across the country between November and December 2025.

The research was jointly carried out by the Communication & Research Foundation (CRF) and Bangladesh Election and Public Opinion Studies (BEPOS) and was presented by researcher and CRF Strategic Coordinator Zakaria Polash. The event was attended by leading academics, including Dr M Niaz Asadullah, Visiting Professor at the University of Reading, and Professor Md Shahabul Haque of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, who emphasised the importance of evidence-based research in strengthening democratic practices.

The report reveals that voters are increasingly focused on issues of governance, accountability, and economic stability. Corruption emerged as the most significant concern for respondents, outweighing identity-based and religious considerations. Many voters expressed a desire for leaders who demonstrate empathy, integrity, and effective leadership rather than relying on personal charisma.

In terms of political information, most respondents rely on a combination of traditional and digital media, particularly television and social networking platforms. This blended media consumption reflects the changing nature of political engagement across different social groups.

Despite strong enthusiasm for participation, voters voiced serious concerns about the electoral environment. Fears of intimidation, fraud, and ballot manipulation were widely shared, cutting across party lines. Speakers at the event noted that these concerns underline the need for a secure, neutral, and transparent voting process.

The survey also highlights notable shifts in political preferences. Nearly half of former Awami League voters now indicate support for the BNP, while a significant proportion of first-time voters since 2008 favour Jamaat. These trends suggest a changing political landscape shaped by both past experiences and current expectations.

At the same time, individual candidates continue to play an important role in shaping voting decisions. Almost two-thirds of respondents said they consider the personal qualities and credibility of candidates, either alone or alongside party affiliation, when casting their votes.

Presenters of the report stressed that the high level of voter interest represents both an opportunity and a challenge for policymakers and election authorities. Ensuring a peaceful, credible, and inclusive election, they said, will be essential to maintaining public trust in the democratic process.

As Bangladesh prepares for the 2026 national election, the survey offers a detailed snapshot of public sentiment, reflecting both the optimism and the anxieties of ordinary citizens seeking meaningful political representation.