Survey shows 61.4% support student involvement in an interim government

A recent survey reveals that 61.4% of participants believe direct student involvement in an interim government would benefit the nation. This finding was presented during an event held at the seminar hall of the Asian University of Bangladesh (AUB) campus in Ashulia, Savar.

The survey, titled "Public Opinion on the Effectiveness of Economic Initiatives by the Interim Government: A Pulse Survey," was conducted by AUB's Department of Economics. Professor Dr. Abul Hasan Muhammad Sadeq, the founding vice-chancellor of AUB, stressed the importance of avoiding reserve spending on non-essential projects. He also highlighted the urgent need to recover funds siphoned abroad and to take a firm stance on loan defaulters by seizing and liquidating their assets.

AUB Treasurer Dr. Md. Nurul Islam noted that while the interim government is taking positive steps, rising commodity prices pose a serious challenge. He emphasized that dismantling price-fixing syndicates is essential for market stability and restoring public confidence.

Survey Overview

The survey included responses from 4,860 individuals of varied ages, professions, and locations (urban and rural), with a gender distribution of 60% men and 40% women. Participants were asked 15 targeted questions:

• Banking Sector Recovery: In light of prior corruption and political interference, 67% expressed optimism that the banking sector could recover, though others remained skeptical.

• Foreign Reserves: About 68% of respondents believed the central bank’s declining foreign reserves could be restored under the interim government, provided funds are allocated more wisely.

• Recovery of Siphoned Funds: 51% were confident in the interim government’s potential to retrieve funds moved abroad, while 49% felt stronger measures are needed. Additionally, 94% stressed the importance of foreign collaboration in these efforts.

• Islamic Banks and Loan Defaults: A substantial 77.3% supported recovering embezzled funds by liquidating assets of defaulting companies.

• Stock Market Accountability: On prosecuting stock market scandal perpetrators, 55.7% were hopeful about accountability, though others doubted significant action would be taken.

• Commodity Price Control: A striking 83.8% considered current measures insufficient, urging more assertive actions from the government. Moreover, 96.7% agreed that dismantling business cartels should be prioritized to stabilize prices.

• Student Participation in Governance: The survey also addressed student involvement in the interim government, with 61.4% endorsing this approach as a mechanism for ensuring government accountability. Many believe student representation would help bridge public aspirations with national governance.

• Mega Project Review: About 64.6% supported reassessing pending mega projects from the previous administration, viewing many as unnecessary given the current economic challenges.

• Strengthening Central Bank Oversight: A significant 97% felt the central bank should have an expanded role in monitoring the banking and market sectors.

• Economic and Political Trajectory: When asked if the country is moving in the right direction under the interim government led by a student movement, 46% agreed, 22% expressed dissatisfaction, and 32% felt more time is needed to assess the impact.

• Term Duration for Interim Government: On the ideal duration for the interim government’s term, 57% suggested at least two years for comprehensive economic and political reforms, while 24% advocated for six months, and 10% supported a one-year term.