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A majority of Bangladeshis view the country’s current democratic trajectory positively, according to a nationwide public opinion survey conducted by the Center for Insights in Survey Research of the US-based nonprofit International Republican Institute (IRI).
The survey found that 62 percent of respondents described the current state of democracy in Bangladesh as either “fairly good” or “very good.” At the same time, a large majority believe there is a significant disconnect between political leaders and ordinary citizens, with 83 percent saying there is a substantial gap between the political elite and the people.
IRI published a 57-page report on the survey on its website on August 8.
Johanna Kao, IRI’s Senior Director for the Asia-Pacific region, said Bangladesh has been moving in a positive direction since the parliamentary election held in February 2026.
She said the country had made significant progress in rebuilding public trust in democratic institutions. However, she stressed that strengthening democracy is an ongoing process requiring sustained reforms and political commitment.
When asked about the country’s most pressing problems, corruption topped the list, with 22 percent of respondents identifying it as the biggest challenge. Drug abuse followed at 15 percent, while 12 percent cited law and order as the country’s primary concern.
Concern over drugs has risen sharply compared with last year. In the 2025 survey, only 6 percent of respondents identified drugs as a major national problem. That figure has now risen to 15 percent—nearly three times the previous level.
Respondents also gave a clear indication of what they want the new government to prioritize. The largest share, 33 percent, called for stronger anti-corruption measures as the government’s top priority. Another 22 percent prioritized the rule of law and judicial independence, while 21 percent called for good governance and political reforms.
“Citizens have made their priorities clear,” Johanna Kao said. “Political parties may not always agree on how to move forward. But they must work together to implement meaningful reforms that strengthen democracy and respond to citizens’ needs.”
The survey was conducted on behalf of IRI by a local research organization in Bangladesh.