The "Family Card" has emerged as a landmark social safety net program under the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Designed to ensure social security for the country's poor and lower-middle-class families, this new initiative aims to bolster the financial capacity of citizens amid current economic pressures and inflation.
The pilot project is set to launch ahead of the upcoming Eid, with beneficiaries expected to receive 2,000 BDT per month.
The government is projected to spend over 12,000 crore BDT annually to support 50 million beneficiaries.
Initially, eight upazilas in Bogra and Dinajpur have been selected for the program, with the pilot phase kicking off in Gabtali (Bogra) and Nawabganj (Dinajpur).
Social Welfare Minister A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain stated that extreme-poor and low-income families will receive priority.
Selection will be based on the latest Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).
Benefits and Objectives
The Family Card will provide direct cash assistance to selected households.
According to government plans, the funds will be disbursed directly to the female head of the household, a move intended to promote women's empowerment.
The Ministry of Social Welfare noted that the assistance amount under this card will be higher than existing social allowances.
Application Process and Data Collection
To minimize irregularities and middleman interference, a central database is being created to store family information linked to National Identity Cards (NID).
Following the pilot phase, the list of beneficiaries will be expanded nationwide through local administrations and public representatives.
Required Documents
While the full-scale application process is yet to open nationwide, citizens are advised to prepare the following documents:
- National Identity Card (NID) of the applicant.
- Passport-size color photographs.
- An active mobile phone number.
Where to Apply
Once the pilot project concludes, application forms will be available at Union Parishad, Pourashava, or Councilor offices.
Additionally, the government is preparing an online portal to facilitate quick applications from home.
Only one card will be issued per family, providing access to monthly cash transfers or essential commodities.
