48.5% Bangladeshis still undecided on who to vote for: BIGD Survey

As the nation moves closer to the upcoming parliamentary elections, nearly half of the electorate remains undecided, according to a new survey conducted by the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD).

The survey reveals that 48.5 percent of voters have not yet decided which party they will support in the forthcoming national election. Additionally, 14.4 percent of respondents declined to disclose their political preference.

Among voters who have made up their minds, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leads with 12 percent support, followed by Jamaat-e-Islami at 10.4 percent, the Awami League at 7.3 percent, and the Nationalist Conservative Party (NCP) at 2.8 percent.

The findings were presented Monday morning at a program held at the National Archives Auditorium in the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. The event, focusing on the evaluation of the interim government's performance, reforms, elections, and party popularity, was jointly organized by BIGD and Voice for Reform, a citizen platform advocating governance reforms.

Comparative data from a similar survey conducted in October last year shows a decline in support for both BNP and Jamaat. At that time, BNP had received 16.3 percent, Jamaat 11.3 percent, and NCP 2 percent support. The latest figures indicate that while BNP and Jamaat’s support has decreased, NCP has made marginal gains.

The survey also highlighted notable generational divides in political allegiance. Among voters under the age of 27, Jamaat holds 12 percent support, slightly ahead of BNP’s 9 percent. Awami League stands at 7 percent, and NCP at 4 percent in this demographic.

In the 28–35 age group, both BNP and Jamaat have equal support at 11 percent. Among those aged 50 and above, BNP emerges as the most popular party with 16 percent, followed by Jamaat at 9 percent, Awami League at 7 percent, and NCP at 4 percent.

Political preferences also vary according to educational background. Among graduates, BNP and Jamaat are evenly supported at 10 percent each, with 5 percent backing Awami League and 4 percent supporting NCP.

In contrast, among voters without formal education, BNP enjoys the highest support at 14 percent, followed by Jamaat at 9 percent, Awami League at 7 percent, and NCP at 2 percent.

Despite political uncertainty, the majority of respondents remain optimistic about the electoral process. The survey reports that 70 percent of voters believe the upcoming election will be free and fair, while 15 percent expressed skepticism.

The survey results are expected to influence political strategies as parties gear up for the election amid shifting voter sentiment and growing demand for reform.