92 percent of voters will not vote for those involved in violence: Survey

Security of life, property and law and order has emerged as the highest political priority for voters in Bangladesh. According to the latest survey by Democracy International, 40 percent of voters consider security the main priority for the next government, while 92 percent said they would not vote for any political party or candidate involved in violence.

The findings of the survey, conducted in November 2025, were presented at a citizen dialogue jointly organised by Democracy International and Jamuna Television. The survey also found that 49 percent of citizens believe political parties have failed to play an effective role in maintaining a peaceful environment in the country. Meanwhile, 33 percent of voters remain undecided, posing a major challenge for political parties seeking to win their confidence.

At the beginning of the dialogue, Democracy International deputy chief of party Aminul Ehsan said insecurity not only affects daily life but also undermines voter participation and trust in the democratic system.

Dhaka University professor of journalism and mass communication Dr Shamim Reza said structural inequality in political activities, where one side gains undue advantage, leads to conflict and violence.

Dhaka University law lecturer Saimi Wadud said a culture of impunity institutionalises violence. She stressed that law enforcement alone is not enough, and political reforms along with changes in internal party culture are essential.

CPB central committee member Dr Sajedul Haque Rubel said violence would not end without changes in the political economy. He added that violence would continue unless the entry of black money holders and dishonest bureaucrats into politics is stopped.

NCP joint convener Dr Tajnuva Jabeen said provocative statements by politicians directly incite violence both online and offline. She noted that if candidates refrain from attacking one another verbally, violence would significantly decrease. She also emphasised the need for internal party democracy, depoliticised appointments to constitutional posts, women’s empowerment and media neutrality.

Jamaat-e-Islami executive council member Saiful Alam Khan said police and administration are becoming unrestrained under political patronage, which must be stopped. He added that violence would not end without firm party positions against perpetrators and a zero-tolerance stance on corruption.

BNP joint secretary general Syed Emran Saleh Prince said although peace and stability are the public’s main demands, delays in the electoral process are being exploited by vested interests to provoke violence. He claimed that some recent incidents were not political but planned mob violence. He also said BNP would not form a government alone even if it secured a majority, and opposition strength would not be judged solely by seat numbers.

The citizen dialogue titled “Politics free from conflict and violence” was organised by Democracy International and Jamuna Television under the B-Space project with financial support from the FCDO.