Jamaat and NCP Close Behind
From BusinessToday24 Correspondent, Dhaka: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is seen as the front-runner in the upcoming national elections—at least in the eyes of the youth. This finding emerges from a recent joint survey conducted by the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM) and ActionAid Bangladesh.
According to the survey, 38.76 percent of young respondents believe BNP is likely to win the most votes in the next general election. However, Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) are also gaining significant traction, suggesting a tight three-way contest.
The survey covered 2,000 young individuals—aged between 15 and 35—across 16 districts in all eight divisions of the country. The interviews explored their political preferences, interest in voting, and perceptions of the current political climate.
Findings show that 21.45 percent of participants think Jamaat-e-Islami could receive the most votes, while 15.84 percent believe the same about NCP. Support for the ruling Awami League stands at around 15 percent among the youth.
Notably, there’s minimal difference between rural and urban youth in terms of political preference. In urban areas, 39.77 percent of youth favor BNP, while in rural areas the figure is slightly lower at 37.72 percent. Support for Jamaat stands at 21.66 percent in cities and 21.25 percent in rural regions.
The survey also highlights widespread political disillusionment. A striking 82.7 percent of young respondents expressed frustration with politics, many saying they feel powerless to influence outcomes even if they participate. Despite this, 76.8 percent affirmed their intent to vote in the upcoming election.
The study also captures broader concerns around law and justice. About 71.5 percent of respondents believe that mob justice—extrajudicial acts of punishment—has become a routine threat in everyday life.
Dr. Selim Raihan, Executive Director of SANEM, stated, “The youth are conscious not only about politics but also about social justice. They want to be a force of change, but weak leadership and lack of trust remain major obstacles.”
The overall findings point to a shifting political landscape, where a significant portion of the youth is looking beyond traditional political parties. Although Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP are currently BNP’s closest rivals, the youth vote remains fluid and open to change.
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