First-Time Voters: Barisal’s Manta Community Exercises Ballot Rights

In Barisal, the Manta community is preparing to vote for the first time in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections. Approximately 400 residents of 179 Manta families in Lahaarhat, Tungibaria Union, will cast their votes, with over a hundred being newly registered voters.

Community leader Zakir Hossain said, “Previously, elections happened, but we had no real access to citizen rights. Now we will choose candidates who understand our struggles.” New voter Alamgir Hossain added, “Without an ID card, traveling at night by boat was risky. Now we can confidently show our identity.”

Elder Samiron Bibi highlighted their daily struggles, including declining fish stocks and limited burial spaces, stating they will vote for candidates who address these issues.

Mahananda Das of the NGO Chandradweep Development Society explained that including the Manta community in the voter list was a major challenge, requiring repeated visits and awareness campaigns about the importance of National ID cards.

Rafiqul Islam, General Secretary of Sujan Barisal, said, “Candidates who specify concrete plans for the Manta community’s development are more likely to win, making this community’s vote particularly significant in the election.”