53% of voters think that the tenure of the interim government should be two years or less, according to a study conducted by the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) of North South University (NSU). SIPG released the results of a national survey titled ‘Citizens’ Expectations from the Interim Government of Bangladesh’, which was held on 02 October 2024 Wednesday at the National Press Club, Dhaka.
The survey was conducted from September 9-19, 2024, in 17 districts of 8 country divisions. It is the first nationally representative survey conducted directly since the July Revolution.
About 53 % of respondents think the current interim government’s tenure should be two years or less, while 47% think that this interim government should stay in power for three years or more.
The survey also revealed:
Political party affiliation: 46% of respondents are undecided about their affiliation with political parties, while 54% expressed their interest in mainstream politics.
Political Reforms: An overwhelming 96% support limiting the prime minister’s tenure to only 2 terms, and 46% believe significant constitutional changes are needed. Additionally, 16% called for a completely new constitution.
The most significant portion of respondents (63%) are middle-aged (28-50 years), 22 percent are Generation Z (18-27 years), and 14 percent are above 50 years of age. In addition, 54 percent of the respondents were in urban areas and 46 percent in rural areas.
The study also found that citizens expressed satisfaction with the current state of the interim government, especially praising their flood management in August and September. Bangladesh’s citizens’ aspirations have also been described, such as reforming the police, education, political, and electoral systems.
The chief guest at the seminar was Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Secretary, SHUJAN and Head, Electoral Reforms Commission. He said, “There is a contradiction to the trust and expectation that has emerged in the study. Fulfilling the common man’s expectations is this government’s biggest challenge.”
He also stated, “Fair elections have been held in our country before. However, we need to change our political structure and culture to reap the benefits of a fair election. The main responsibility of running the state is the politicians. They need to be more democratic, more responsible.”
Professor Salahuddin M. Aminuzzaman, Advisor, SIPG said, “Our Generation G is a very optimistic generation. However, the fact that they are politically aware has come up in this study. The expectations of the common people towards the interim government are not unrealistic. But as confidence is high, so is opportunity. Thirty-six percent of the people want our Constitution to be reformed. We should discuss which places need to be reformed.”
NSU’s Professor Navine Murshid, Department of Political Science and Sociology (PSS) said, “The survey brings attention to critical concerns such as security and economic stability. Research has shown that people almost have no trust in the police, which, if unresolved, could extend to the government. So many years of autocratic rule create a habit among the people. We want a new system through reform so no ruler can become a dictator again.”
Dr. Akram Hossain, Assistant Professor, SIPG & PSS, NSU, presented the data and results of the survey. The program was moderated by Professor Mahbubur Rahman, Chairman, Department of History and Philosophy, and Member, CMS, SIPG, NSU. Professor Sk. Tawfique M. Haque, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Director of SIPG, Humayun Patwary (NRB) Canada was also present on the occasion. Other researchers and research associates of SIPG were present at the event.