A new nationwide survey has stirred fresh debate in the run-up to the 2026 national elections, revealing what analysts describe as a striking shift in voter mood.
Nearly 48 per cent of Awami League (AL) supporters are now leaning toward BNP, while the remaining 52 per cent appear open to alternative candidates, signalling a fluid and unpredictable electoral landscape.
The findings were unveiled on Wednesday at the National Press Club through a joint report titled Uncovering the Public Pulse, conducted by the Communication and Research Foundation (CRF) and Bangladesh Election and Public Opinion Studies (BEPOS).
Professor Dr Mohammad Shahabul Haque chaired the event, with UK-based economist Dr M Niaz Asadullah joining as expert discussant, while researcher Zakaria Palash presented the key insights.
11,000 voices, one message: Voters are watching
The survey drew on responses from 11,038 voters across the country, collected in two phases between November 20 and December 31, 2025, through stratified random sampling. The research explored participation trends, leadership preferences and public concerns shaping the electoral climate.
More than 90 per cent of respondents said they intend to vote, reflecting a charged political atmosphere.
Only around 8 per cent remain undecided, suggesting a highly mobilised electorate across age, gender and regional lines.
Corruption overshadows all other issues
The report paints a clear picture of voter priorities. Corruption and governance dominate public concern, with 67.3 per cent identifying corruption as the central issue.
Religious matters trailed far behind, cited by 35.9 per cent of respondents.
Demand for people-centred leadership
Voters appear increasingly drawn to leaders perceived as accountable and people-focused. The study suggests a shift away from personality-driven politics toward leadership seen as capable of delivering tangible results.
Information war on screens
Television and social media have become the battleground for political narratives, emerging as the most influential sources of voter information.
Many respondents said they rely on multiple platforms, reflecting a fast-moving and competitive information space.
Fear at the polling booth
Despite strong enthusiasm for voting, anxiety lingers. Concerns over intimidation, fraud and ballot tampering were widely shared across party supporters, with polling station security emerging as a major worry.
New voters, new trends
The survey also highlights a generational twist: about 37.4 per cent of voters participating for the first time since 2008 are leaning toward Jamaat, hinting at shifting dynamics among younger or newly engaged voters.
Candidate over party
Perhaps most telling is how voters plan to decide. Nearly two-thirds said the candidate matters most, either alone or alongside party identity.
Around 30.2 per cent prioritise the candidate alone, while 33.2 per cent weigh both candidate and party equally.
With loyalties shifting and expectations rising, the report suggests the road to the 2026 election may be far more volatile than many anticipated, setting the stage for an intense political showdown.