Over 94 percent of respondents in a survey said they are interested in casting votes if the 13th national election is held next year.
About 87 percent supported holding the election in February while nearly 70 percent expressed confidence that the interim government could conduct a fair election.
However, around 56 percent said they have no idea about the proportional representation (PR) system in parliament's upper house, found the survey titled "People's Thoughts on the Election".
Conducted by consultancy firm Innovision Consulting, the second round (first phase) of the survey was carried out from September 2 to 15.
Based on interviews with 10,413 citizens eligible to vote across Bangladesh, the survey explored public perceptions on the government's performance, election timing, law and order, and electoral reform.
Rubaiyat Sarwar, managing director of Innovision Consulting, presented the findings at The Daily Star Centre in Dhaka yesterday.
It is part of a broader initiative called People's Perceptions on Election Survey, conducted in collaboration with Voice for Reform and the Bangladesh Research Analysis & Information Network (BRAIN).
According to the findings, over 77.5 percent think they will be able to vote safely and without fear, while 56 percent expressed concerns over law and order, saying extortion has increased in the past six months.
The survey also shows that younger generations are more aware and positive about the PR system compared to older generations. But on the issue of neutrality of police and administration during the election, Gen Z respondents were less optimistic than the elderly.
About 78.7 percent of respondents evaluated the interim government's activities positively.
Still, more educated people were less satisfied than less-educated groups, pointing to a rise in extortion. Educated respondents were also more aware and supportive of the PR system.
University students, compared to the general public, showed less interest in voting and more disagreement about election timing. They also reported concerns about growing extortion.
The survey further found that religious minority communities are less confident about the interim government's ability to conduct a neutral election.
Speaking at the event as the chief guest, the Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the findings of the survey showed the February election timeframe has received a "clear and thumping yes" from citizens.
It is also an indication of public trust in the interim government's ability to hold a fair election, he said. "This will be one of the best elections in our history. People across the country are eager to vote, and no one will be able to question the legitimacy of this election if 95 percent of voters expect it to be fair."
Alam criticised the rise of YouTube and online platforms as the main source of information.
He alleged that some senior journalists spread a "barrage of misinformation" through these platforms while seeking protection under freedom of expression.
"Law and order problems exist in some places, and we are not denying that. But the way television and social media portray the country as if it is collapsing is largely a matter of perception," he said.
He also said the interim government continues to enjoy strong public support, with nearly 80 percent of citizens satisfied with its performance.
Political analyst Saimum Parvez called on all parties to move away from violence and blame-based politics. They should focus on presenting clear, data-backed policies on issues like environment, health, agriculture, and employment, he said.
He supported further discussion on using the PR system in the upper house, but opposed introducing it in the lower house, saying it would weaken the connection between lawmakers and local constituencies.
Supreme Court lawyer Rashna Imam, Bdjobs.com CEO AKM Fahim Mashroor, and BRAIN Executive Director Shafiqur Rahman, among others, also spoke at the event.