A recent national public opinion survey on constitutional reform in 2024 revealed that 86% of people in the country want the national parliamentary elections to be held under a non-partisan caretaker government. However, almost no support was found for proportional representation voting. Additionally, most people favor reserving seats for women in parliament through direct elections.
The survey was conducted from December 5 to December 10 by the Constitutional Reform Commission through the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). The findings were published along with the Commission's report.
According to the Commission, they gathered opinions from various stakeholders. However, to reflect the views of people from all walks of life, they decided to conduct this survey.
The survey collected opinions from 45,925 households across 64 districts, targeting individuals aged 18 to 75, ensuring proportional representation of the population.
Regarding the election-time government, only 6% supported elections under the current ruling government. Over 6% were unsure, and about 2% had no opinion. The remaining 86% favored elections under a non-partisan caretaker government.
On balancing the powers of the President and Prime Minister, around 37% supported giving more power to the President, while 45% believed the power should remain with the Prime Minister.
Additionally, nearly 64% supported limiting the Prime Minister's tenure to a maximum of two terms. However, 10% opposed this limit, and 15% believed no term limit was necessary.
Regarding the dual role of Prime Minister and head of the ruling party, 49% felt the positions should not be held by the same person, while 37% thought it was acceptable.
On parliamentary terms, 78% supported the current five-year term, while just over 16% favored a four-year term.
For the election process, 78% favored the candidate with the highest number of votes winning, while less than 9% supported forming parliament based on proportional party votes.
Regarding a bicameral parliament (upper and lower houses), about 35% were in favor, while 39% were opposed. Over 23% chose not to respond.
Currently, MPs cannot vote against their party in parliament. About 83% believe this restriction should be removed. Additionally, nearly 82% supported holding referendums on constitutional amendments and other national issues.
Regarding reserved seats for women in parliament, 75% supported them, while just under 19% opposed. About 83% favored direct elections for women candidates.
On protecting the rights, heritage, and culture of religious and ethnic minorities in the constitution, over 91% were in favor. Meanwhile, 53% opposed any constitutional restrictions on freedom of speech, while just over 43% supported some restrictions.
Furthermore, more than 61% supported constitutional authority to limit the freedom of assembly and participation in rallies, while 29% opposed such constitutional power.
