With the 13th national parliamentary election approaching, a new nationwide survey suggests that voters are not only paying close attention but are also prepared to turn out in large numbers.
Nearly nine in ten respondents said they intend to cast their ballots, reflecting a level of enthusiasm that researchers say is unusually high for a competitive election cycle.
At the same time, the survey points to significant shifts in political loyalties and persistent anxieties over electoral integrity.
Former ruling party voters appear divided in their next choices, while corruption and personal safety on polling day have emerged as decisive concerns shaping voter behaviour.
About 90 per cent of voters have expressed their willingness to participate in the election, according to the survey conducted by the Communication and Research Foundation (CRF) in collaboration with Bangladesh Election and Public Opinion Studies (BEPOS).
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".
Zakaria Palash, strategic coordinator of the CRF, presented the survey report.
Notably, 48 per cent of Awami League voters indicated that they would now vote for the BNP, according to the survey.
The survey also found that 29.9 per cent of Awami League voters would support Jamaat-e-Islami, while 6.5 per cent showed a preference for National Citizen Party (NCP) candidates. Overall support for NCP candidates stood at 17 per cent.
The survey shows marked shifts in voter preferences, particularly among first-time voters.
Of them, 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 NCP.
Corruption emerged as the dominant concern among voters, with more than 67 per cent taking a strong anti-corruption stance.
Speaking at the event, M Niaz Asadullah, visiting professor of economics at the University of Reading in the UK, said that with the Awami League not contesting the election, the destination of its former voters has become a crucial factor.
"The most positive aspect of the survey is that a large number of people have expressed their interest in voting in this election," he said.
"However, the situation on election day will be critical. The 8.0 per cent of voters who remain undecided may not go to polling centres if security and surrounding conditions are not favourable. In that case, this 8.0 per cent could turn into 80 per cent," he warned.
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