A nationwide opinion poll conducted by the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) Center for Insights in Survey Research shows overwhelming public approval for Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Bangladesh’s Interim Government, alongside high enthusiasm and optimism ahead of the upcoming national elections.

According to the survey, 69 percent of respondents said Dr. Yunus is doing a good job as chief adviser, while 70 percent approved of the Interim Government’s overall performance. The findings reflect strong public confidence in the country’s current leadership during a critical transitional period.

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

The poll was conducted between September 1 and October 12, 2025, through in-person, in-home interviews carried out by a local research firm on behalf of IRI. It surveyed 4,985 respondents aged 18 and older using a multi-stage stratified probability sample designed to represent voting-age adults nationwide.

Participants were drawn from 500 primary sampling units across 63 of the country’s 64 districts and all eight divisions. The data was weighted by gender and age group in line with the 2022 census. The margin of error does not exceed plus or minus 1.4 percent, and the response rate was 46 percent.

Beyond leadership approval, the survey highlights strong public engagement with the electoral process. Sixty-six percent of respondents said they are very likely to vote in the upcoming elections, while another 23 percent reported they are somewhat likely to participate. Confidence in the integrity of the elections is also high, with 80 percent of respondents expressing optimism that the polls will be free and fair.

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

IRI noted that it regularly conducts nationwide public opinion research in Bangladesh to gain insight into how citizens view political, policy, and governance issues. As the election period approaches, the organization is working to support responsive, issue-based political engagement. In October, IRI deployed a pre-election assessment mission and plans to field a limited election observation mission for the February polls.