Ahead of the national election, nearly 48 per cent of voters who previously supported the Awami League are now backing the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), according to a new opinion survey. 

The survey also found that the remaining 52 per cent of respondents may support other candidates.

The findings were released on Wednesday at a press conference held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, jointly organised by the Communication and Research Foundation (CRF) and Bangladesh Election and Public Opinion Studies (BEPOS)

The session was chaired by Professor Dr Mohammad Shahabul Haque, while Dr M Niyaz Asadullah, Visiting Professor of Economics at the University of Reading, UK, attended as a special guest speaker. The survey was presented by Zakaria Polash, author, researcher and Strategic Coordinator at CRF.

Survey Methodology and Scope

Titled “Uncovering the Public Pulse: Findings from a Nationwide Survey”, the study analysed public opinion on voter participation, priorities, leadership perceptions, and the electoral environment ahead of the 2026 polls. 

The data was collected in two phases from 20 November to 31 December 2025 using a stratified random sampling method, covering a total of 11,038 voters from various regions across the country.

Voter Interest and Concerns

The survey revealed that over 90 per cent of voters expressed interest in participating in the upcoming elections, while around eight per cent remain uncertain or have no plans to vote. There were no significant differences in voter interest based on gender, age, education, or place of residence.

Corruption Emerges as the Leading Issue

According to the report, voters identified corruption and good governance as the most critical issues. Approximately 67.3 per cent of respondents cited corruption as the main problem, while only 35.9 per cent highlighted religious issues as important.

Preference for Public-Oriented Leadership

Voters expressed a preference for leaders who are considerate of the public and capable of providing effective leadership. They valued accountable, people-oriented leadership over personal charisma.

Television and Social Media as Key Sources of Information

Television and social media emerged as the most influential sources of political information. Most voters reported using multiple information sources to form their opinions.

Concerns over Polling Station Security

Voters showed more concern over the security of polling stations than election management. Fear of intimidation, ballot rigging, and seizure of ballot boxes was noted across supporters of all parties.

Shifts in Party Support

The survey highlighted a significant shift in party support. Nearly 48 per cent of former Awami League supporters are now backing the BNP, while 29 per cent said they would vote for Jamaat, and the remainder may support other candidates.

Among first-time voters since 2008, 37.4 per cent expressed a preference for Jamaat.

Candidate Considerations Remain Key

When choosing whom to vote for, most voters consider the candidate above all else. About two-thirds of respondents said they take both the candidate and the party into account, with 30.2 per cent prioritising the candidate alone and 33.2 per cent considering both candidate and party.