Barisal, Bangladesh: Monisha Chakraborty, the Bangladesh Socialist Party (BSP) nominee and candidate supported by the Democratic United Front (DUF) for the Barisal-5 constituency (Sadar–City Corporation), formally launched her election campaign on Thursday at the Central Shaheed Minar in Barisal. The event began with a solemn tribute to the valiant martyrs of the nation’s Liberation War, underscoring the campaign’s central theme of honouring the country’s historical heroes.
Addressing the gathering, Monisha Chakraborty stated, “Those who have turned parliament into a club for millionaires, isolated it from the people, and transformed it into a stronghold for corrupt, looting, money-laundering, and defaulting individuals, must be challenged. After years of struggle on the streets, we are now entering the electoral arena to reclaim parliament as a centre of people’s rights.”
She emphasised the united front presented by BSP and DUF in the upcoming elections, expressing confidence that voters in Barisal-5 would favour change and that this sentiment would be reflected in the ‘Moy’ (Plough) electoral symbol.
Monisha also appealed to citizens to reject conventional and stale political practices, urging, “Let us move beyond the politics of decay and corruption. By rejecting those involved in smuggling and plunder, we can inaugurate a new era through this election. Let Barisal-5 be the starting point for a transformative journey, guided by your collective will.”
The campaign launch was attended by key leftist leaders and veterans, including members of the Bangladesh Revolutionary Communist League and DUF.
| Name | Affiliation | Position / Role |
|---|---|---|
| Abdur Sattar | Bangladesh Revolutionary Communist League | Central Leader, Freedom Fighter |
| Professor Jalilur Rahman | Democratic United Front | Central Committee Member |
| Mizanur Rahman | Communist Party of Bangladesh (Barisal District) | District President |
| Imam Hossain | BSP Central Committee | Member, Extended Forum |
| Shahidul Sheikh | BSP Barisal District | Member |
| Shahidul Howlader | Democratic United Front | Local Leader |
Following the tribute, DUF leaders highlighted that the people of Bangladesh fought the Liberation War for an equitable society—an aspiration yet to be fulfilled. Over the past 54 years, successive governments have often prioritised looting and exploitation over the welfare of ordinary citizens. In this context, Monisha Chakraborty, representing the ‘Moy’ symbol in Barisal-5, is regarded as one of the constituency’s most competent candidates.
After the formal event, Monisha Chakraborty, alongside leaders of the leftist coalition, conducted extensive grassroots outreach across Sadar Road, Girja Mohalla, Chawk Bazar, and Fazlul Haque Avenue. Campaign volunteers distributed leaflets and engaged directly with residents, urging them to participate in the democratic process and support transformative leadership in the upcoming parliamentary elections.