A recent nationwide survey by Eminence Associates for Social Development (EASD) indicates overwhelming public support for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) ahead of the 2026 national election, reflecting a major shift in the country's political landscape.
According to the survey, nearly 70 per cent of voters said they intend to vote for BNP, placing the party firmly in the lead. Jamaat-e-Islami ranked second with 19 per cent support, while the National Citizens Party (NCP) received 2.6 per cent. Other parties included Jatiya Party with 1.4 per cent, and independent candidates at 0.1 per cent.
The findings were presented on Monday at a press conference at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka by Dr. Shamim Haider Talukder, CEO of EASD. Panelists included Dr. Kazi Saif Uddin Bennoor, Dr. Shahin Akhter, former Election Reform Commission member Mir Nadia Parveen, University of Dhaka professor Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Voice of Reform coordinator Fahim Mashrur, and Iftekhar Mahmud, Editor-in-Chief of Dhaka Stream.
A gender-based analysis revealed stronger BNP support among female voters, with 71 per cent of women expressing preference for the party. Young voters also played a decisive role: 27 per cent of respondents were aged 18-30, highlighting the influence of youth on the political future.
The survey covered all 300 parliamentary constituencies, with data collected from 20,495 respondents between December 20, 2025, and January 1, 2026, using the Kobo Toolbox digital platform. 120 trained field researchers collected data across 684 unions and wards, ensuring balanced representation of rural and urban areas. Of the respondents, 75 per cent were male and 25 per cent female, with 34 per cent engaged in business, 15 per cent in agriculture/rural labor, and 24 per cent in household or informal work.
Regionally, BNP received its highest support in Chattogram and Rajshahi (74 per cent each), while Jamaat-e-Islami showed strength in Barishal (29 per cent) and Khulna (25 per cent). Jatiya Party garnered 5.2 per cent support in Rangpur.
The survey also found a significant shift among former Awami League voters, with 60 per cent now supporting BNP, 25 per cent supporting Jamaat, and 15 per cent favoring other parties. Public confidence in a BNP victory was high, with 77 per cent expecting BNP to form the next government, and 74 per cent predicting BNP candidates would win in their constituencies.
EASD researchers noted that the survey period coincided with major political developments, including the death of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, the return of Tarique Rahman, and BNP's alliances with multiple parties, all of which may have influenced voter sentiment.
Mir Nadia Parveen noted positive engagement among women and youth while Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir emphasised public demand for good governance.
Fahim Mashrur saw youth support as a call for freedom of speech and Iftekhar Mahmud stressed livelihood security for marginalized communities.
Concluding the session, Dr. Kazi Saif Uddin Bennoor said the findings reflect a strong public desire for a transparent, inclusive, and participatory election. The press conference ended with an open discussion among journalists, researchers, civil society representatives, and stakeholders, underscoring the survey's importance in gauging public opinion ahead of the 2026 national polls.
