71% of people support PR system: SHUJAN survey

A survey conducted by Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN) reveals that 71 percent of people in Bangladesh support the Proportional Representation (PR) system for seat allocation in the upper house of the national parliament. This result comes from a public opinion poll conducted ahead of finalizing SHUJAN’s proposed ‘National Charter.’

Ekram Hossain, a member of SHUJAN’s national committee, unveiled the survey findings at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Tuesday (August 12).

He said that between May and July this year, opinions were collected from 1,373 people nationwide through a questionnaire consisting of 40 questions. Additionally, data was gathered from 15 citizen dialogues.

The survey found that 69 percent of respondents supported a bicameral legislature system. Eighty-seven percent agreed with the proposal that the same person cannot simultaneously hold the positions of Prime Minister, party leader, and parliamentary leader.

Regarding women’s representation, 63 percent supported reserving seats for women in the lower house through a rotational system, while 69 percent favored reserving 30 seats for women in the upper house.

Eighty-six percent of respondents supported appointing a deputy speaker from the opposition party in the lower house, and 82 percent wanted the opposition party to nominate the deputy speaker in the upper house.

The survey also showed that 87 percent agreed that the Election Commission’s approval should be mandatory for any executive actions during elections that could influence voters.

Eighty-six percent favored the Election Commission issuing a certificate within 48 hours after elections, confirming the fairness, credibility, and acceptance of the results.

Eighty-eight percent supported auditing election expenses and disqualifying candidates or canceling results if false information is provided.

The highest support, 92 percent, believed that terrorists, extortionists, corrupt individuals, and convicts should be declared ineligible to become party members.

While presenting the findings, SHUJAN Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar stated that the survey shows the people’s demand for reforms. He added that the existing system, processes, and institutions have enabled Sheikh Hasina to become authoritarian. Therefore, fundamental changes are essential to build a genuine democratic state.

Professor Robayet Ferdous from Dhaka University’s Department of Mass Communication and Journalism also spoke at the event.