Govt to bring 4cr women under Family Card
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that the government aims to bring four crore women-headed families under the Family Card programme within the next five years.
“I firmly believe that my government will be able to gradually extend the Family Card to all four crore families in Bangladesh headed by women within the next five years, InshaAllah,” the Prime Minister said.
He made the remarks while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Family Card programme, organised by the Ministry of Social Welfare, at T&T Playground in Banani, adjacent to the Korail slum on Tuesday.
The Prime Minister emphasised that all government initiatives must follow established rules and regulations, adding that pilot projects are a necessary first step.
The programme has already begun in 14 upazilas across the country, involving around 37,000 women. In Dhaka, three areas – Korail, Bhashantek, and Sattala slums – saw about 15,000 women brought under the programme.
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman handed over Family Cards to 17 women. He later transferred funds directly to the accounts of 37,567 women in 14 locations by pressing a button on his laptop.
Dr Zubaida Rahman, the Prime Minister’s spouse; Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain; State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin; Social Welfare Secretary Dr Mohammad Abu Yusuf; and Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan were among those present.
The Family Card programme is part of the government’s commitment to promoting women’s empowerment and social justice, recognising women as heads of households in national social protection initiatives.
At the event, Rina Begum, a beneficiary from Sattala slum, expressed her gratitude: “Thank you, Prime Minister. I never imagined I would receive this card. This money will help my family a great deal.”
The pilot programme launched on Tuesday covers 14 locations across the country, including Dhaka, Pangsha in Rajbari, Patiya in Chattogram, Bancharampur in Brahmanbaria, Lama in Bandarban, Khalishpur in Khulna, Charfasion in Bhola, Dirai in Sunamganj, Bhairab in Kishoreganj, Bogura Sadar, Lalpur in Natore, Thakurgaon Sadar, and Nawabganj in Dinajpur.
Each beneficiary under the pilot programme will receive Taka 2,500 per month, with further expansion planned as the programme progresses.
