90pc voters willing to participate in national polls: CRF Survey

About 90 per cent of voters have expressed their willingness to participate in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, according to a survey conducted by the Communication and Research Foundation (CRF).

The findings were revealed on Wednesday at the National Press Club during the release of the survey report titled ‘Uncovering the Public Pulse: A Nationwide Survey’.

Significantly, 48 per cent of former Awami League voters indicated that they would now vote for the BNP.

The survey also found that 29.9 per cent of Awami League voters would support Jamaat-e-Islami, while 6.5 per cent showed preference for NCP candidates.

Overall support for NCP candidates stood at 17 per cent.

The survey shows notable shifts in voter preferences. Among first-time voters, 37.4 per cent said they intend to vote for Jamaat-e-Islami, while 27 per cent expressed support for the BNP and 17 per cent for the National Citizen Party (NCP).

The survey highlights corruption as the dominant concern among voters, with more than 67 per cent taking a strong anti-corruption stance.

M Niaz Asadullah, visiting professor of Economics at the University of Reading, UK, said voters would primarily judge candidates based on their ability to curb corruption and control rising commodity prices.

In terms of political information sources, nearly 70 per cent of respondents said they still rely on television for political news.

However, 73 per cent reported cross-checking information using at least two sources, indicating growing awareness about misinformation.

Concerns over election security also emerged strongly.

Around 20 per cent of voters expressed fears about being able to vote safely.

Respondents cited potential obstacles on the way to polling centres, ballot box snatching, and institutional electoral fraud as key risks.

Fear and intimidation at polling centres remain another major concern.

The survey found that 49 per cent of BNP supporters, 73 per cent of NCP supporters, and 71 per cent of Jamaat voters are worried about voter intimidation.

When asked about voting considerations, 30.4 per cent of respondents said they vote based on party symbols, while 30.2 per cent prioritise the personal qualifications of candidates. Although religious issues were considered relatively less important, anti-corruption commitments emerged as the most influential factor.

About 67.3 per cent of voters said anti-corruption pledges matter most, while 35.9 per cent consider religious issues important.

CRF noted that corruption remains the single most pressing concern for voters ahead of the election, identified by 67.3 per cent of respondents. Across gender and age groups, voters expressed a strong demand for empathetic and effective leadership. They prefer leaders who listen to citizens and demonstrate decisive governance.

Nearly two-thirds of voters said a candidate’s personal competence is the most important factor when casting their vote. Safety at polling centres, electoral fraud, and violence were also highlighted as serious concerns. Many voters prioritise their personal security over institutional assurances.

The survey also suggests a noticeable shift among former Awami League supporters, many of whom are now exploring alternative political options.

The research was conducted by CRF in collaboration with the Bangladesh Election and Public Opinion Institute (BEPOSI).

Zakaria Palash, the executive coordinator of the CRF, presented the report, while Dr Md Shahabul Haque, professor, Department of Political Studies, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, chaired the press conference.

Academics and researchers from local and international universities attended the press briefing as discussants.

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