IRI poll reveals strong BD support for Yunus govt, optimism

Prof Muhammad Yunus

Dhaka, Dec 1 – A nationwide survey by the International Republican Institute (IRI) shows that Bangladeshis overwhelmingly approve of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and the Interim Government’s job performance.

The survey found that 69 percent of respondents said Dr. Yunus is doing a good job, while 70 percent said the same about the Interim Government.

Johanna Kao, IRI’s Senior Director for Asia-Pacific, said, “It is clear Bangladeshis see progress under Dr. Yunus’s leadership. Their confidence in him and the Interim Government reflects a strong desire for stability, accountability, and reform.”

The survey also found high enthusiasm for the upcoming elections. About 66 percent of respondents said they are very likely to vote, and 23 percent said they are somewhat likely to vote. Eighty percent of respondents expressed optimism that the elections will be free and fair.

Kao added, “The excitement of Bangladeshis highlights the importance of sustaining reform efforts and ensuring the elections are credible and peaceful.”

The IRI conducts regular nationwide surveys in Bangladesh to understand public opinion on politics, governance, and policy issues. Ahead of the February elections, IRI has deployed a pre-election assessment mission and will field a limited observation team.

The survey was conducted by a local research firm from September 1 to October 12, 2025. It included 4,985 respondents aged 18 and older from 63 districts across all eight divisions. The data was collected through in-home interviews and weighted by age and gender according to the 2022 census. The margin of error does not exceed plus or minus 1.4 percent, and the response rate was 46 percent. - UNB