PM Tarique Rahman to Inaugurate 'Family Card' Programme on March 10

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to officially launch the government’s landmark 'Family Card' initiative on March 10, fulfilling a key pledge made during the national election campaign.

The announcement was made on Friday by Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, Minister for Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs. 

The program is designed to provide direct financial relief to millions of households across the country, beginning with a strategic pilot phase.

“Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will formally inaugurate the four-month pilot project in 14 upazilas on March 10, where eligible families with at least five members will receive BDT 2,500 a month through direct transfers to their mobile wallets or bank accounts,” Dr. Zahid stated.

During this initial phase, approximately 6,500 families will be enrolled in the scheme. 

The Minister explained that the government's ultimate objective is to scale the program nationwide, eventually bringing two crore (20 million) families under the umbrella of monthly cash support.

Highlighting the scale of the social safety net expansion, Dr. Zahid noted the significant fiscal commitment required for the project. 

“If fully implemented, the programme would cost about BDT 5,000 crore a month and around BDT 60,000 crore a year,” he added.

The initiative is expected to streamline social welfare distribution by utilizing digital payment methods, ensuring that the monthly stipend reaches the intended beneficiaries directly and transparently.