ARY Poll reveals public sentiment on Sheikh Hasina’s downfall: Pro-India Policies, Rigged Elections, or Both?

KARACHI- October 15, 2024: An ARY Poll conducted to gauge public opinion on the perceived downfall of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has yielded intriguing results. The survey posed the question: What, in your opinion, is the reason for Sheikh Hasina’s downfall?

The responses highlight a divided yet insightful perspective on the factors contributing to her declining popularity.

ARY Poll Results

The poll presented three options for respondents to choose from:

1. Pro-India policies – 25.48% of respondents identified this as the primary reason for Sheikh Hasina’s downfall.
2. Rigged elections – 24.45% of respondents attributed her decline to allegations of electoral manipulation.
3. Both Pro-India policies and rigged elections – An overwhelming 50.08% of respondents voted for this combined option, indicating that a majority believe these two factors are interconnected and have jointly contributed to her downfall.

Analysis of the Results

The ARY Poll results reflect a nuanced understanding of the political landscape in Bangladesh. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways:

1. Pro-India Policies (25.48%)

A quarter of the respondents pointed to Sheikh Hasina’s perceived pro-India stance as a significant factor in her downfall. Over the years, her government has maintained close ties with India, particularly in areas of trade, security, and regional cooperation. While these policies have bolstered bilateral relations, they have also sparked criticism domestically. Critics argue that such alignment compromises Bangladesh’s sovereignty and fails to address local concerns, leading to growing discontent among certain segments of the population.

2. Rigged Elections (24.45%)

Nearly a quarter of the respondents cited allegations of electoral fraud as the reason for Sheikh Hasina’s decline. The 2018 general election, which saw her party, the Awami League, secure a landslide victory, was marred by accusations of vote rigging and suppression of opposition voices. These allegations have persisted, eroding public trust in the democratic process and fueling resentment toward her administration.

3. Both Pro-India Policies and Rigged Elections (50.08%)

The majority of respondents (50.08%) believe that both factors—pro-India policies and rigged elections—have collectively contributed to Sheikh Hasina’s downfall. This suggests that the public perceives these issues as interconnected, with her foreign policy decisions exacerbating domestic dissatisfaction over governance and electoral integrity. The combination of these factors has created a perfect storm, undermining her credibility and popularity.

Public Sentiment and Political Implications

The poll results underscore the complex challenges facing Sheikh Hasina’s government. While her administration has achieved notable economic growth and infrastructure development, the perceived alignment with India and allegations of electoral malpractice have overshadowed these accomplishments. The overwhelming vote for “both” indicates that the public views these issues as mutually reinforcing, with foreign policy decisions amplifying domestic grievances.

For Sheikh Hasina to regain public trust, addressing these concerns will be critical. This may involve recalibrating her foreign policy to reflect a more balanced approach and ensuring greater transparency and fairness in future elections. Failure to do so could further alienate voters and strengthen opposition movements.

Verdict

This online survey highlights the multifaceted reasons behind Sheikh Hasina’s perceived downfall, with a majority of respondents attributing it to a combination of pro-India policies and rigged elections. As Bangladesh navigates its political future, addressing these issues will be essential for restoring public confidence and ensuring stability. The results serve as a reminder that governance is not just about economic progress but also about maintaining trust, transparency, and a balanced approach to both domestic and international affairs.