51pc youths want present govt to stay in power

A recent survey claimed that more than 51 percent of the country's youths want the current government to win the upcoming national election and remain in power.

Research organisation CallReady claimed to have come up with the findings after conducting an “independent” survey on 1,186 youths, aged between 18 and 24, from 21 educational institutions -- including Dhaka University, Buet and North South University -- of 12 districts.

It was conducted between October 22 and 30 this year, and the findings were unveiled at a press conference in the capital's Dhaka Reporters Unity yesterday.

According to the survey, about 30 percent youths want a change while nearly 19 percent are undecided.

It also found that approximately 54 percent youths think that the 11th national election will be fair and more than 63 percent are satisfied with the performance of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Talking to this newspaper, Dr Abul Hasnat Milton, leader of a five-member team that conducted the survey, claimed that they selected the respondents randomly and the survey was based on face-to-face interviews.

“We conducted the survey independently, not for any particular party or organisation,” added Milton, a Bangladeshi researcher who resides in Australia.

CallReady Chief Operating Officer Azad Abul Kalam said, “Youths often share their thoughts regarding the country's politics with us through social media, which inspired us to conduct the survey.”