In a survey conducted by Voice of America Bangla, it was found that over sixty percent of people in Bangladesh believe that freedom of expression has improved under the interim government compared to the previous Awami League era.
Additionally, 61.2% of respondents think that the media enjoys more freedom under the current government.
Voice of America Bangla conducted the survey between October 13 and 27, with 1,000 participants aged 18 and above from all eight divisions of the country.
Among the respondents, 25.2% said that they believe freedom of expression remains unchanged under the current government.
Meanwhile, 14.2% felt that freedom of expression has decreased under the interim government, while 0.2% chose not to comment.
Among younger participants (ages 18–34), 57.1% noticed increased freedom, while 63.8% of those aged 35 and above shared the same opinion.
Additionally, 18.5% of respondents saw no difference, and 13.3% felt that press freedom had declined.
Urban respondents (73.8%) were more optimistic than rural respondents (57.1%).
The survey also revealed that 68.2% of male participants and 54.2% of female participants reported increased press freedom under the current administration.
Bangladesh ranked 165th in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, its lowest position since the index's inception in 2002.
Over the 15 years of Awami League governance, the country dropped 44 positions due to factors such as repressive laws, partisan media licensing, and censorship.
Last year, the Awami League government repealed the controversial Digital Security Act and replaced it with the Cyber Security Act. However, this new law also faced severe criticism from various sectors, including journalists.
The interim government recently decided to repeal the law and withdraw all cases filed under the Cyber Security Act.
Any individuals arrested in these cases will be released immediately through the legal process, according to the government.
The interim government also formed a Media Reform Commission on September 17 to ensure an unhindered press environment.
The survey also highlighted public sentiment regarding a potential ban on the Awami League.
Fifty-seven percent of respondents favored allowing the Awami League to continue its political activities, while 35.5% supported banning the party.
Among the respondents, 4.9% were unsure, and 2.6% declined to answer the question.
Young respondents aged 18 to 34 (39.9%) were more likely to favor banning the Awami League than other age groups.
When asked how long the Awami League should be banned, 54.1% of those who supported the ban believed it should be permanent.
Among other respondents who favored the ban, 15.2% suggested banning the Awami League for more than 10 years, 8.9% recommended a ban lasting 5 to 10 years, 11.2% advocated for a 1 to 5-year ban, and 3.3% supported a one-year ban.
Additionally, 1.8% declined to answer, and 5.5% were unsure.
