The survey report carried by the Dhaka Tribune in its Monday issue was an interesting read, in that it almost perfectly reflected the mindset of the people interviewed.
The interviews were held over the phone on a set of questionnaires between August 10 and 22. Telephone-based interviews are now accepted worldwide as a modern methodology of seeking public opinion.
Complete responses were received from 1,217 respondents. Even if the method and the operation were not flawless, it has done a great good to the readers and the people who are genuinely concerned about the present state of things.
Amidst the ongoing hullabaloo, killings, and conflict, the report brings about food for thought for many. The suffocation caused by the current environment has reached such extremes that we need to try and turn things around to guarantee peaceful living for all.
More than half of the respondents (53%) have expressed their wish that the government complete its full term in office. We should not spray the wishes of the majority with Awami League colour. This is exactly what the common people want because they want peace.
Interestingly, the demand for a fresh election following the January 5 polls (highly controversial) has taken a backseat. It appears that the main opposition BNP and its allies have failed to generate the right kind of momentum to press home their demand for fresh polls. The spirit and wishes are both dead.
The proportion of people demanding a fully participatory election within the year or as early as possible has declined to around 25% from 77%. However, the report brings to focus more interesting aspects.
Although the people expressed their willingness to see the continuation of the present government, they came out strongly to say that they want the government to start dialogue with the BNP and other oppositions.
They felt that the PM’s strong stance against any talks with the main opposition is not good. Some 71.5% of the public disagree or strongly disagree with the PM’s no dialogue stance.
The expression of satisfaction over the law and order climate has surprised many. I don’t understand what parameters were in place to gauge the law and order situation.
We need radical measures for effective improvement in law and order. It is no better than before. In fact, it is taking a turn for the worse.
The economy is definitely on a better plane. So it seems. But just how far it will be sustainable remains to be seen. We can’t be very hopeful about the sustainability of the economic rise.
Apart from all this, the people expressed their opinions in favour of a fully participatory democratic process. The government may be happy to read the report, but it should not be complacent.
There is always the other side of the coin. In addition to a stable economy, we also need to have the right democratic processes in place.
The opinion poll has brought forth a number of areas that reflect our thoughts. It has also helped clear the cloud for many who are still groping in the dark or are frustrated about people’s subdued role in the social mainframe. Given the opportunity to speak up and express themselves without fear, they have done just that. Their expressions reflect a genuine yearning for a peaceful democratic process, a friendly political atmosphere, sound economic advancement, and peaceful social conditions.
Over 77.9% of the respondents indicated that they do not want any agitation movement by the BNP. The survey further informs us of the sincere wishes of the public for a peaceful dialogue between the two largest political parties in the country. This again shows that the AL government alone cannot guarantee peace or development. It needs backing from all, including the opposition.
The public wish for dialogue is a clear sign of the support BNP has among the people. It also brings to the fore the feelings of the people who are frustrated with the conflicting and divisive nature of our politics. Another important desire from the people is that the BNP should sever ties with Jamaat. Around 56% want the BNP to cut ties with this controversial party for obvious reasons.
The opinion chart published by the DT was a timely move, and ought to be taken seriously by all parties concerned. The government should take heed.
There is little room for complacency in the matter, because the survey is not made up. It is an authentic indication of the people’s will. So, both parties must pay attention to the results of the survey.
In simple terms, the government ought to handle things with the utmost care and respect towards all, and the opposition needs to come up with a mature and civilised way of thinking.
The school of democracy is not easy to build. It is the people’s will that should be taken into consideration. If not, nothing’s going to work.