More support planned for women, children

The government has proposed a Tk 5,196 crore allocation for the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs in the 2026-27 fiscal year, with a focus on expanding social protection, strengthening child welfare programmes and advancing women’s empowerment. Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced the proposed allocation while presenting the national budget for FY27 in Parliament on Thursday.

Highlighting the government’s priorities, the finance minister said women’s empowerment remains a crucial measure of national development. He said efforts would continue to ensure women’s self-reliance and protect children through improved access to modern education, healthcare and employment opportunities.

As part of these initiatives, the government plans to establish 20 modern day-care centres in the first phase to support working women. A further 60 centres are scheduled to be set up later. Measures have also been planned to provide rehabilitation and social security support for returning migrant women workers.

The minister said the Vulnerable Women Benefit programme would continue to support 10.4 lakh women, each receiving 30 kilograms of rice every month.

To strengthen protection for women and children, the government will enhance the capacity of the Quick Response Team tasked with preventing violence against women and children and ensuring prompt intervention.

The proposed budget also includes long-term rehabilitation measures for street children and those considered at risk. Currently, 33 Integrated Child Rehabilitation Centres are operating across 17 districts, providing services aimed at protecting and reintegrating vulnerable children into society.

The allocation reflects the government’s broader objective of promoting gender equality, improving child welfare and expanding social safety net programmes across the country.