# Dr. Manisha Funds Barishal-5 Campaign Through Rickshaw Pullers and Slum Residents

> Manisha Chakraborty, a former government doctor and the only woman contesting Barishal-5, is running a grassroots campaign funded by small donations from rickshaw pullers and slum dwellers. Known for standing with worki…

Published: 2026-02-05 · Desk: Latest · Source: Dhaka Stream

Working-class residents of Barishal city say they know who truly stands beside them in times of crisis—even at the risk of arrest. Whether demanding rehabilitation before the eviction of homeless families or protesting the seizure of battery-powered rickshaws without alternative livelihoods, Manisha Chakraborty has long been a visible presence in their struggles.

A former government doctor, Manisha left a secure career to become a full-time activist. Now the only woman contesting the Barishal-5 parliamentary seat, she is financing her campaign through small donations collected in clay banks from rickshaw pullers and slum dwellers she has supported for more than a decade.

Despite facing heavyweight rivals—Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Faizul Karim and BNP’s Mazibur Rahman Sarwar—many working people see her as a genuine contender, crediting her political commitment and deep grassroots connections.

From Bells Park to the KDC slum, residents describe her as “their candidate.” Rickshaw pullers campaign for her voluntarily, rejecting cash incentives offered by major parties. Her campaign has also drawn attention for rejecting wealthy donors and relying solely on public contributions, aiming to raise Tk10 lakh within legal spending limits.

Election observers say Manisha’s approach challenges money-driven politics. She herself argues that elections have become contests of spending power—something she has chosen to resist.

As the 13th parliamentary election nears, Manisha’s campaign has come to symbolize more than a bid for office—it represents a challenge to entrenched power structures and exclusionary political culture, particularly for women and the working poor.

Original reporting: https://www.dhakastream.net/election-2026-0/barishal-5-manisha-banks-working-class-support-190826?fbclid=IwY2xjawPxINtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF0ckw1N0ZVVjgzTHQxZnAyc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHshc4PVRivagSE8umjypLSCO2PmryGzt-rT3KiaIJqoOENB2m-_isuI2yHcF_aem_hZInQSpVOzD0EsnVZgRf9A
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