80% of People in Bangladesh Worried About Mob Violence

Illustration: Collected

A recent survey reveals that 80% of people in Bangladesh are concerned about mob violence.

The survey, titled "BIGD Pulse Survey 3: Public Opinion, Experiences and Expectations, July 2025," also highlighted significant worries about women’s safety, nighttime security, and harassment over clothing.

According to the results, 56% of respondents expressed concern for women’s safety, 61% for safety at night, and 67% for street harassment related to clothing.

The survey also found that undecided voters have increased to 48.5%, up from 38% eight months ago. Meanwhile, 14.4% said they prefer not to disclose their choice, and 1.7% said they will not vote.

When asked about party preferences, 12% said they would vote for BNP, 10.4% for Jamaat-e-Islami, and 2.8% for the National Citizen Party (NCP). These figures show a slight decrease for BNP and Jamaat, while NCP support rose marginally.

Support for the Awami League has fallen from 8.9% to 7.3%, while backing for the Jatiya Party dropped from 0.7% to 0.3%. Support for Islamic parties decreased from 2.6% to 0.7%.

Despite these numbers, 38% believe the BNP candidate will win in their constituency, compared to 13% for Jamaat, 1% for NCP, and 7% for the Awami League.

The survey collected opinions from 5,489 people across rural and urban areas, with 53% men and 47% women. Seventy-three percent of respondents were from rural areas and 27% from urban centers.

Asked about the country’s direction, 42% said Bangladesh is on the right political track, while 45% said it is on the right economic track. Compared to last year, optimism about the economy has risen slightly, but confidence in the political future has declined.

Respondents gave the interim government an average performance score of 63%, down from 68% in October 2024.

Regarding election timing, 51% want elections held after thorough reforms, 17% prefer them after urgent reforms, and 14% want elections without reforms. About 13% were unsure.

When asked which reforms are necessary, 30% cited improving law and order, 16% legal and judicial reforms, 11% security, 16% economic growth, 13% reducing prices of essentials, 10% lowering unemployment, and 17% fighting corruption. Additionally, 19% mentioned reducing political instability and reforming the electoral system.

Regarding election timing preferences, 32% want elections before December 2025, 12% by February 2026, 11% by June 2026, and 25% prefer December 2026 or later.

The survey found that 70% believe the upcoming election will be free, fair, and impartial. Fifteen percent disagreed, and 14% were unsure.

After the survey presentation, experts discussed the findings and responded to questions from journalists.