Highlights
- A controversial billboard in Montijo, Portugal, uses an anti-Bangladesh slogan.
- The billboard is part of the election campaign of far-right leader André Ventura.
- Bangladeshi expatriates in Portugal condemned the message as racist and insulting.
- Ventura shared the billboard on Instagram with a provocative caption.
Anti-Bangladesh Billboard Sparks Controversy in Portugal
A political billboard displayed near a bus stop in Montijo, Portugal, has sparked widespread outrage among Bangladeshi expatriates. The billboard, featuring a picture of André Ventura, leader of the far-right political party Chega, carries the message in large letters:
“Isto não é Bangladesh”
In Bengali: “এটা বাংলাদেশ নয়।”
Translation: “This is not Bangladesh.”
Read More: Father Identifies Daughter’s Burnt Body by Her Burqa After 12 Days of Fire in Mirpur
Part of Chega’s Anti-Immigration Campaign
According to Portuguese media reports, this billboard is part of Chega’s election campaign. Portugal Candidate André Ventura, the conservative leader of the main opposition party, is promoting an anti-immigration message ahead of Portugal’s presidential election scheduled for January next year.
Ventura’s campaign aims to appeal to nationalist voters by opposing immigration. As part of this strategy, he has been spreading strong anti-immigration slogans across the country.
“ব্যবসায়ী, ক্যারিয়ার বিল্ডার বা মার্কেটার—সবার জন্য এক রোডম্যাপ ! বিস্তারিত জানতে ক্লিক করুন..”
Instagram Post Ignites Public Backlash
On Sunday, October 26, André Ventura posted a photo of the billboard on his official Instagram account. Along with the picture, he wrote:
“Eles já estão nas ruas. A 18 de janeiro, vamos abalar este país. Sem medo!”
In Bengali: “ওরা ইতোমধ্যেই রাস্তায় নেমে পড়েছে। ১৮ জানুয়ারি আমরা এই দেশকে নাড়িয়ে দেব। কোনো ভয় নেই!”
Translation: “They are already on the streets. On January 18, we will shake this country. No fear!”
His post triggered immediate criticism, especially from the Bangladeshi community living in Portugal. Many expressed their anger on social media, calling the campaign “racist” and “offensive.”
“নিজের ব্যবসার জন্য এখন নিজের ওয়েবসাইট — মাত্র কয়েক মিনিটে Storola দিয়ে!”
Bangladeshi Community Reacts Strongly
Bangladeshi expatriates in Portugal have condemned the billboard, describing it as a direct insult to their country. Many took to Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to protest against Ventura’s campaign, saying it promotes discrimination and xenophobia.
They called the slogan “Isto não é Bangladesh” an attempt to stigmatize migrants, particularly those from South Asia.
Previous Campaign Messages Also Target Minorities
Apart from the anti-Bangladesh billboard, another campaign poster of Portugal Candidate André Ventura for the upcoming presidential election reads:
“The Roma community must obey the law.”
This slogan, too, has drawn criticism for targeting minority groups.
Upcoming Portuguese Presidential Election
Portugal is preparing for its presidential election, set to be held in January 2026, just three months from now. Potential Portugal Candidate include Luís Marques Mendes, António José Seguro, André Ventura, Henrique Gouveia e Melo, João Cotrim de Figueiredo, António Filipe, Catarina Martins, and Jorge Pinto.
Current President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will step down, and the upcoming election is expected to be highly competitive.
Source: TBS
