BARISHAL — As the 13th national election approaches, the political landscape of Barishal-5 (Sadar) is witnessing a campaign that blends grassroots social work with a push for policy reform. Among the six candidates vying for the seat, Dr. Manisha Chakraborty, representing the Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BSD) under the Ladder (Moi) symbol, stands out as the sole female contender in this strategically vital constituency.
A Life Defined by Choice
Dr. Manisha Chakraborty’s journey to the candidacy is marked by a series of unconventional decisions. An alumna of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College, she made headlines years ago by declining a position in the government service after passing the 34th BCS examination. Instead, she chose to remain in the streets of Barishal, providing free medical care to the underprivileged.
This commitment earned her the local moniker “Doctor of the Poor,” a title that became particularly resonant during the COVID-19 pandemic and her recent involvement in the July Uprising. Having transitioned from the clinic to the political arena—previously serving as the first female mayoral candidate in Barishal’s history—she now seeks to bring that same grassroots advocacy to the national parliament.
Pledges for a ‘Potential-Driven’ Barishal
In her recent campaign trail, Dr. Manisha Chakraborty has shifted the focus from simple charity to structural change. Her platform for the Barishal-5 constituency centers on several key pillars:
- Women-Centric Economy: A primary pledge is the creation of women-friendly employment opportunities to ensure the financial independence of the region’s nearly 250,000 female voters.
- Health and Education: She has called for a significant increase in budget allocations for public health and education, arguing that these sectors remain underfunded relative to the needs of the southern region.
- Climate Resilience & Tourism: Recognizing Barishal’s vulnerability to river erosion and climate change, she proposes utilizing the region’s agricultural strengths to transform it into a “tourist city,” effectively turning environmental challenges into economic potential.
- Policy Reform: Moving beyond local development, she emphasizes that her candidacy is a struggle to ensure that the national parliament does not become a “millionaires’ club,” but rather a body that honors the spirit of the 2024 martyrs through people-oriented legislation.
The Road to the Polls
As the campaign enters its final stages, Dr. Manisha Chakraborty is conducting door-to-door visits across the Sadar area. While the Barishal-5 race is crowded with seasoned political figures, her campaign is banking on her long-standing reputation for service and her status as the only woman on the ballot to resonate with the 493,950 registered voters.
For the residents of Barishal-5, the “Ladder” represents more than just a party symbol; it is a test of whether a decade of social activism can be successfully converted into a mandate for parliamentary representation.
