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by Asif Showkat Kallol
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, on Tuesday launched a pilot social protection programme aimed at providing direct financial support to women-headed families, as the government seeks to expand welfare coverage and strengthen women’s economic empowerment.
Just 26 days after winning the national election, Rahman delivered on his pledge by launching the Family Card program for vulnerable households.
The program, known as the ‘Family Card’, formally opened at the TNT playground in the Karail slum area of Banani in the capital, Dhaka. During the ceremony, the prime minister handed over cards to 17 women representing beneficiary households.
Mr. Rahman attended the event alongside his wife, Zubaida Rahman, and the social welfare minister, AZM Zahid Hossain. Several cabinet members and senior government officials also joined the ceremony.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman hands over family cards to beneficiaries at the inaugural ceremony of the family card distribution program at the T&T playground in Banani. Photo: Courtesy of PID.
Under the pilot program, each eligible family will receive a monthly allowance of 2,500 taka, deposited directly into a mobile wallet or bank account chosen by the beneficiary. Officials describe the digital payment system as a transparent and accessible method that allows recipients to withdraw funds easily.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Rahman highlighted the importance of women’s economic empowerment for national development. ‘Bangladesh will move forward only through self-reliant and empowered women,’ he said. ‘Our government plans to gradually bring 40 million families under the Family Card program over the next five years.’
The scheme currently operates on a pilot basis in 14 locations across the country, targeting 37,567 women-headed households. The government allocated Tk 380.7m to finance the allowance for the first four months, until June.
Each beneficiary family will receive a modern smart card designed for security and durability. Authorities expect the cards to help identify vulnerable households and ensure direct delivery of assistance.
The pilot phase covers several low-income urban communities in Dhaka, including the Karail, Sattala, and Bhashantek slums, along with areas in Mirpur and Shah Ali. Outside the capital, the program will extend to districts including Pangsha, Patiya, Bancharampur, Lama, Khalishpur, Char Fasson, Dirai, Bhairab, Bogura Sadar, Lalpur, Thakurgaon Sadar and Nawabganj.
Tarique Rahman also emphasized accountability following the government’s election victory. He noted that the administration would continue implementing election pledges in phases and called on citizens to maintain patience as reforms move forward.
The government also plans to launch a ‘Farmer Card’ program next month aimed at providing direct financial support to farmers.
Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), has remarked that the government’s newly launched ‘Family Card’ program will provide vital financial assistance to people and significantly contribute to women’s empowerment.
While noting that the government has further plans regarding social protection, she emphasized the urgent need to identify genuine beneficiaries. Warning that failure to do so would result in a waste of funds, she stated, ‘The government should take effective measures to specifically identify those who are truly vulnerable.’
She made these observations on Tuesday (March 10) during a session at the CPD office in Dhanmondi, where the organization presented its recommendations for the upcoming 2026-27 national budget.
Officials plan to evaluate the pilot program before expanding it nationwide, with the long-term goal of building a broader social safety net centered on women’s economic empowerment.
