PM to open family card distribution programme on March 10

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the Family Card distribution programme on March 10. 

Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Professor Dr. Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain announced this on Tuesday afternoon.

Family card holders will receive Tk 2,500 monthly. Beneficiaries will be selected impartially, without regard to political affiliation. 

The initiative begins as a pilot project in 13 upazilas, initially targeting around 10,000 marginal and low-income families, often one ward per selected upazila, to support poor and vulnerable households under social security measures.

The programme aims to roll out in phases after the four-month pilot, extending to extremely poor individuals in three categories nationwide. 

The government estimates an expenditure of Tk 80 to 100 crore for the pilot period. 

The proposal emerged from the first meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Family Card Provision at the Finance Ministry on Sunday, where discussions included expanding from an initial plan of eight upazilas and finalising details like beneficiary numbers, selection criteria, and implementation policies.

The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare was directed to prepare a clear proposal and submit a report by the following Tuesday. 

Upon approval by the committee, chaired by the Finance Minister, it will go to the Prime Minister for final decisions on beneficiary numbers and allowance amounts. 

The launch aligns with efforts to provide cash assistance ahead of the upcoming Eid.