Bangladesh Survey of Public Opinion

February 4 - 21, 2016

Detailed Methodology• The survey was conducted by Nielsen-Bangladesh under the supervision of Mr. Rob Varsalone of Global

Strategic Partners and the International Republican Institute between February 4 –21, 2016.

• Data was collected using a multi-stage stratified probability sample and through in-person, in-homeinterviews. The sample was stratified by the eight administrative divisions, by district and by urbanand rural locations.

• The sample consisted of 2,550 respondents (response rate: 43 percent) aged 18 and older, and wasrepresentative of voting-age adults nationally.

• The sample was distributed into 255 primary sampling units (PSU) from all 64 districts of all eightdivisions. PSUs were defined as mouza in rural areas and as mahalla in urban areas.

• The probability-proportional-to-size method was used to select localities. After identifying a centrallylocated starting point, the Date Method was used to select the first house and then Systematic RandomSampling was used to select the appropriate household. Within each household, the Kish Grid was thenused to select respondents 18 years and older.

• Interview teams were comprised of both males and females.

• The margin of error does not exceed plus or minus two percent at the mid-range with a confidencelevel of 95 percent.

• The information in this report has been compiled in accordance with international standards for marketand social research methodologies. Figures in charts and tables may not sum to 100 percent due torounding.

2

Indicators

Do you believe things in Bangladesh are heading in the right direction, or are they heading in the wrong direction?

4

33%35%

56%

62%64%

73%

62%

59%

39%36%

32%

23%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Nov 2013 Jan 2014 Sep 2014 Jun 2015 Nov 2015 Feb 2016

Right direction Wrong direction

Why do you say right direction?(Those responding right direction, n=1,866, open-ended)

5

1%

2%

2%

5%

17%

71%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Declining terrorism

Overall development

More electricity production

Better economy

Development in transportation system

Education improvement

Over the past year, do you believe that the education system has gotten better or worse?

6

55%

37%

5%

2% 2%

Much better

Somewhat better

Somewhat worse

Much worse

Don't know/Refusedto answer

Why do you think the education system is better?(Those responding better, n=2,333, open-ended)

7

7%

5%

1%

1%

1%

1%

4%

6%

9%

13%

15%

15%

0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% 16%

Don't know/Refused

Other

Girls education is free

Cheating has declined

Kids attend school regularly

Standards have increased

Govt. provides education for everyone

Education system is good

Public exam pass rate has increased

Students receive govt. stipends

Literacy has increased

There are more schools

Why do you say wrong direction?(Those responding wrong direction, n=591, open-ended)

8

1%

1%

1%

1%

2%

7%

39%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

One-sided government

Hartals*

Corruption increased

Poor transportation system

Economic decline

Price hikes

Political instability

*Hartals refer to mass protests that cause sectors of the economy to close down.

Overall, how would you rate the current security conditions in Bangladesh?

9

26%

29%

29%

32%

41%

39%

51%

51%

17%

14%

11%

9%

16%

16%

9%

6%

1%

2%

1%

3%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Sep2014

Jun2015

Nov2015

Feb2016

Very good Somewhat good Somewhat bad Very bad Don't know/Refused

Overall, how would you rate the current political stability in Bangladesh?

10

19%

22%

21%

19%

40%

42%

49%

58%

22%

11%

9%

9%

16%

18%

13%

7%

3%

7%

8%

8%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Sep2014

Jun2015

Nov2015

Feb2016

Very stable Somewhat stable Somewhat unstable Very unstable Don't know/Refused

Why do you think the situation is unstable?(Those responding unstable, n=402, open-ended)

16%

2%

5%

6%

10%

10%

12%

13%

25%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

Don't Know/Refused

Economy

Hartals

Lack of democracy

Corruption/Abuse of power

One-party politics

Bad security

Political party disputes

Quarreling

11Multiple responses were allowed.

Thinking some more about the political stability of Bangladesh, in the year ahead do you think that it will improve, worsen or stay

the same?

12

48%

50%

65%

15%

17%

7%

20%

13%

16%

17%

20%

13%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Jun2015

Nov2015

Feb2016

Improve Same Worsen Don't know/Refused

Overall, how would you rate the current economic conditions in Bangladesh?

13

22%

28%

30%

35%

47%

44%

49%

48%

19%

14%

12%

10%

11%

12%

7%

5%

1%

2%

2%

2%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Sep2014

Jun2015

Nov2015

Feb2016

Very good Somewhat good Somewhat bad Very bad Don't know/Refused

Thinking about the personal economic situation of you and your family, in the past year has it improved, worsened or stayed the

same?

14

49%

61%

65%

69%

21%

19%

18%

14%

29%

19%

17%

16%

1%

1%

1%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Sep2014

Jun2015

Nov2015

Feb2016

Improved Same Worsened Don't know/Refused

Thinking some more about the personal economic situation of you and your family, in the coming year do you think it will improve,

worsen or stay the same?

15

60%

63%

72%

72%

16%

13%

10%

7%

14%

10%

5%

10%

10%

14%

12%

12%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Sep2014

Jun2015

Nov2015

Feb2016

Improve Same Worsen Don't know/Refused

Do you and your family have enough income to afford basic commodities (rice, milk, eggs, fish, dhal*, etc.) in the market?

16*Dhal is the Bengali term for lentils, a regional dietary staple.

78%

86%

90%

79%

21%

13%

10%

20%

Sep2014

Jun2015

Nov2015

Feb2016

Yes No Don't know/Refused

1%

1%

1%

Do you expect the price of basic commodities to be higher or lower six months from now?

17

24%

23%

12%

16%

60%

55%

49%

49%

9%

8%

12%

9%

5%

5%

12%

10%

1%

2%

2%

3%

1%

7%

13%

12%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Sep 2014

Jun 2015

Nov 2015

Feb 2016

Much higher Slightly higher Same Slightly lower Much lower Don't know/Refused

Approval Ratings

19

45%

49%

50%

55%

55%

58%

60%

61%

61%

62%

65%

70%

70%

70%

71%

72%

77%

78%

88%

12%

22%

15%

19%

19%

37%

20%

31%

35%

34%

32%

24%

17%

19%

17%

18%

18%

16%

10%

43%

29%

35%

26%

27%

6%

20%

8%

4%

4%

4%

6%

13%

12%

13%

10%

5%

6%

2%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Ending ethnic conflict

Democratic reforms

Land rights

Ending sectarian conflict

Housing

Fighting corruption

Dealing with hartals

Poverty reduction

Employment

Inflation

Fighting crime

Electricity availability

Water availability

Water and sanitation

Gender equality

Keeping the peace

Infrastructure development

Healthcare

Education

Good Bad Don't know/Refused

For each of the following issues, how would you rate the national government’s performance?

Can you tell me which party best reflects each of the statements below?

20

25%

22%

22%

25%

18%

33%

22%

21%

18%

18%

23%

26%

26%

27%

27%

28%

23%

27%

21%

25%

53%

52%

52%

49%

55%

39%

55%

52%

61%

57%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

They consistently fight corruption

Their policies help the poor

They care about people like me

They support democratic reform

They have good policies

They are more religious

They support women

They have many young leaders

They have strong leadership

They are trustworthy

Awami League Bangladesh Nationalist Party Neither/Don't know/Refused

Can you tell me which party best reflects each of the statements below?

21

30%

35%

26%

27%

24%

17%

19%

7%

24%

21%

25%

24%

24%

22%

21%

20%

47%

44%

50%

49%

53%

61%

60%

73%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

They would maintain political stability

They would end ethnic conflict

They would strengthen the nation

They would improve the economy

They would improve security

They would improve healthcare

They would improve infrastructure

They would improve education

Awami League Bangladesh Nationalist Party Neither/Don't know/Refused

Thinking now about the following political parties, would you say you liked or disliked them?

22

23%

21%

13%

10%

50%

45%

39%

19%

26%

35%

48%

71%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

Jamaat-e-Islami

Jatiya

BNP

Awami League

Like Dislike Don't know/Refused

Top Issues

What are the three most important problems facing Bangladesh?(Open-ended, comparison of previous survey data, first choice shown)

24

Issue Feb 2016 Nov 2015 Jun 2015 Sep 2014 Jan 2014 Nov 2013

Economy 21% 17% 11% 13% 7% 23%

Security/Law and order 21% 13% 15% 9% 11% 11%

Political instability 12% 11% 16% 13% 39% 34%

Corruption 9% 18% 24% 20% 36% 20%

Transportation/Traffic/Infrastructure 8% 11% 6% 17% 1% 3%

Can you give me an example of corruption in Bangladesh?(Open-ended)

25

11%

1%

1%

1%

2%

2%

4%

4%

5%

8%

11%

45%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50%

Don't know/Refused to answer

Corruption in road construction

Need to bribe to get electric meter

Stuffed ballot boxes

Corruption in land deals

Question's leaked for public exams

Corruption in education

People do not properly benefit from govt. programs

Bribes to doctors/hospitals

Corruption in judiciary

Need to bribe police

Need to pay bribe to get a job

Perceptions of Democracy

In Bangladesh, if you could only have one or the other, which is more important to you: a democratic system of government or a

prosperous economy?

27

58%

59%

43%

50%

7%

9%

8%

13%

20%

14%

13%

13%

10%

13%

32%

12%

4%

5%

5%

13%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Sep2014

Jun2015

Nov2015

Feb2016

Democracy is definitely more important Democracy is somewhat more important

Prosperity is somewhat more important Prosperity is definitely more important

Don't know/Refused to answer

When you hear the word democracy, what first comes to your mind?(Open-ended)

28

Response Percent

Government elected by the people 19%

Everyone is equal 9%

Freedom of speech 9%

Individual liberty 6%

Country is peaceful 1%

Bangladesh is independent 1%

Other 6%

Don’t know/Refused to answer 49%

Of the following statements, would you say you agree or disagree?

29

8%

12%

7%

45%

29%

38%

27%

30%

35%

30%

41%

18%

29%

20%

26%

7%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

In a democracy theeconomic system runs

badly.

Democracies are indecisiveand have too much

quarreling

Democracies aren't good atmaintaining law and order.

Democracy might haveproblems, but it is still

better than any other formof government.

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree

Agree or Disagree?Voting gives me a chance to influence decision-making in the

country.

30

69%

67%

69%

54%

25%

21%

23%

32%

2%

5%

4%

7%

2%

5%

2%

2%

2%

1%

2%

5%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Sep2014

Jun2015

Nov2015

Feb2016

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know/Refused

Agree or disagree?Politicians listen to my needs and ideas.

31

12%

45%

27%

17%

Most of the time

Some of the time

Rarely

Never

Religion and Politics

In your opinion, how influential is religion on…

33

15%

39%

41%

35%

6%

5%

24%

17%

15%

4%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Bangladesh politics?

your day-to-day views andopinions?

Very influential Somewhat influential Not very influential Not influential at all

How often do you attend religious services?

34

<1%

3%

6%

34%

56%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Rarely if ever

A few times a year

Once or twice a month

Once a week

Daily

Views on Extremism

To what extent do you think that...

36

51%

44%

53%

15%

18%

16%

2%

2%

2%

4%

8%

3%

28%

28%

26%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

extremism is a problem inBangladesh?

religious extremism is aproblem in Bangladesh?

political extremism is aproblem in Bangladesh?

Very big problem Somewhat of a problem Not really a problem Not a problem at all

In your opinion, what is the main cause of extremism in Bangladesh?

37

47%

1%

2%

2%

4%

6%

38%

Don't know/Refused to answer

Ethnic tension

There are no extremists in Bangladesh

Socio-economic tensions

Personal grievances

Religious differences

Political differences

Do you ever think it is justified to use violence?

38

1%

93%

6%

Yes

No

Don't know/Refusedto answer

Elections

Thinking now about elections, when would you like to see the next national parliamentary elections occur?

40

51%

2%1%

2%3%

36%

51%

1% 1% 1%3%

36%

40%

2% 2%1%

5%

43%45%

2%1% 1%

4%

40%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

The parliamentshould complete

its term

Within the nextfour years

Within the nextthree years

Within the nexttwo years

Within the nextyear

As soon aspossible

Feb 2016 Nov 2015 Jun 2015 Sep 2014

2%

2%

2%

6%

14%

18%

19%

37%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

Don't know/Refused to answer

Other

Religious group/Religious leaders

Civil society organizations

Village/Community leaders

Political party/Candidate platforms

Media

Family members

Where do you get information related to candidates and political parties?

What or who influences your voting decision the most?

1%

1%

2%

4%

5%

5%

18%

65%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

Don't know/Refused to answer

Taka or gift

Civil society organizations

Media

Village/Community leaders

Political party/Candidate platforms

Family members

No one

41

Agree or Disagree?The municipal elections of December 30, 2015 were free and fair

42

56%

22%

7%

7%

8%

Strongly agree

Somewhat agree

Somewhat disagree

Strongly disagree

Don't know/Refused toanswer

What is the first thing you would like to see the new municipal government accomplish in the first year?

(Open-ended)

43

33%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

2%

2%

3%

4%

6%

45%

Don't know/Refused to answer

Clean the municipality

Overall development

Contruct a bridge in the area

Development of schools and colleges

Keep the peace

Solve the electricity problem

Solve the gas supply problem

Solve the water supply problem

Give people jobs

Fix the sewage system

Development of roads

Should a non-party, caretaker government be brought back

before the next parliamentary elections?

77%

68%

67%

68%

58%

18%

25%

22%

23%

32%

5%

8%

11%

9%

9%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Jan 2014

Sep 2014

Jun 2015

Nov 2015

Feb 2016

Yes No Don't know/Refused44

Women and Youth

Agree or Disagree?Women are equally represented in political decision-making

positions in Bangladesh.

46

51%

38%

38%

39%

29%

43%

33%

48%

11%

12%

13%

10%

9%

7%

7%

4%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Sep2014

Jun2015

Nov2015

Feb2016

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree

Agree or disagree?Politicians don’t listen to the needs and ideas of women.

47

11%

29%

39%

22%

Strongly agree

Somewhat agree

Somewhat disagree

Strongly disagree

If there are two candidates running for office and they are exactly the same aside from the fact that one is a man and one is a

woman, which candidate would you prefer?

48

58%

56%

54%

55%

29%

23%

23%

32%

15%

21%

20%

13%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Sep2014

Jun2015

Nov2015

Feb2016

Man Woman No difference

If there are two candidates running for office and they are exactly the same aside from the fact that one is a man and one is a

woman, which candidate would you prefer?

49

By Gender Feb 2016 Nov 2015 Jun 2015 Sep 2014

Men/Prefer man 74% 77% 69% 79%

Men/Prefer woman 14% 5% 10% 7%

Men/No difference 12% 16% 21% 14%

Women/Prefer man 36% 31% 42% 34%

Women/Prefer woman 50% 41% 37% 51%

Women/No difference 14% 24% 32% 16%

Agree or Disagree? Politicians don’t listen to the needs and ideas of young people.

50

23%

21%

12%

33%

21%

29%

26%

23%

30%

18%

19%

30%

16%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Jun2015

Nov2015

Feb2016

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know/Refused to answer

Media

From which type of media are you most likely to get your news?

52

64%

24%

2% 2% 1% 1%

TV Word of mouth Internet Newspapers Radio Social Media

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Which TV station do you most often watch?(Those answering TV, n=1,619, open-ended)

53

6%

5%

2%

2%

2%

2%

4%

5%

13%

15%

18%

26%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

Don't Know/Refused

Other

Independent

Ch 24

BanglaVision

Ch 71

RTV

Ch i

NTV

ATN

BTV

Somoy

To which radio station do you most often listen?(Those answering radio, n=25, open-ended)

54

28%

4%

4%

4%

4%

8%

8%

16%

24%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

Don't Know/Refused

FM 100.8

Radio Foorti

Radio Amar

Radio Today

BBC Bangla

Dhaka FM

Bangla Betar

Radio Today 89.6

Which newspaper do you most often read?(Those answering newspaper, n=55)

55

9%

2%

2%

2%

4%

4%

4%

4%

9%

9%

9%

20%

24%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

Don't Know/Refused

Manabkontho

Khoborer Kagoj

Daily Star

Kaler Kontho

Jonokontho

Inqilab

Somokal

Manob Jamin

Jugantor

Ittefaq

Prothom Alo

Protidin

Monthly Household IncomeLess Than 5,000 taka* 9%

5,001-10,000 taka 41%

10,001-15,000 taka 26%

15,001-20,000 taka 12%

20,001-30,000 taka 7%

30,001 taka + 4%

DivisionDhaka 32%

Chittagong 20%

Rajshahi 13%

Khulna 11%

Rangpur 11%

Sylhet 7%

Barisal 6%

ReligionMuslim 91%

Hindu 8%

Buddhist 1%

GenderMale 50%

Female 50%

EducationIlliterate 19%

Literate/No Formal Schooling 9%

Class 1-4 14%

Class 5-9 37%

Secondary School

Certificate/Dakhil 10%

Higher Secondary Certificate 7%

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of

Science 3%

Graduate Degree 1%

Age18-30 years 41%

31-40 years 25%

41-50 years 16%

51-60 years 10%

61 years + 8%

Area Urban 26%

Rural 74%

Demographics

*At the time of survey release, one Bangladeshi taka was equivalent to $0.013 USD.

56

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