Barishal-5: Manisha banks on grassroots support

Dr Manisha Chakraborty, candidate of Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD) from Barishal-5 constituency in the upcoming national parliamentary elections, has drawn considerable public attention with her campaign.

Of the 123 candidates contesting the 21 parliamentary seats in Barishal division, Manisha is one of the only two women candidates -- highlighting the persistent gender gap in electoral politics. The other is BNP candidate Israt Sultana Ilen Bhutto, who previously served as a member of parliament.

Manisha told this correspondent that she is focusing on direct engagement with voters through door-to-door campaigning, particularly among low-income communities. 

“I have already visited all the slum areas and met people there. My main strength lies with low-income, working class people, young voters, and women,” she said.

Manisha was recruited into the health cadre through the 34th BCS examination but chose not to join government service. Instead, she dedicated herself to BSD’s politics, while providing free medical services to the poor and remaining actively involved in labour rights movements.

She hails from a family with a strong legacy in the Liberation War, with both her father and grandfather being freedom fighters.

In 2018, during her campaign for the post of Barishal City Corporation mayor, Manisha first introduced the concept of “earthen banks” to collect small donations from supporters. This time, she has expanded the initiative alongside online fundraising.

“My campaign is funded through public donations. We have distributed 100 earthen banks to well-wishers, and many people themselves are collecting contributions to build the polls campaign fund to my support,” she said. 

“While elections are often equated with money, however, for us that is not the priority. We are contesting with minimal resources and maximum public support.” 

According to her affidavit, Manisha declared movable assets worth Tk 31.28 lakh, including Tk 12.64 lakh in cash, Tk 4.64 lakh in bank deposits, Tk 5 lakh in fixed deposits with financial institutions, five-bhori gold, and Tk 69,000 invested in the stock market. She owns little to no immovable property. She also declared annual income of Tk 3.29 lakh through earnings from her medical practice and bank interest. 

While she claimed that there has not been any major violations of the electoral code of conduct, Manisha alleged that BNP activists held a meeting at a school under Ward-24, and hurled communal remarks during campaigning.