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Published : 24 Feb 2026, 06:15 PM
The government has decided to introduce “Family Cards” on a pilot basis across 14 Upazilas, starting with one Union in each, on Mar 10.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to officially inaugurate the scheme in Bogura, Atiqur Rahman Rumon, the prime minister’s assistant press secretary, told journalists on Tuesday.
The decision was finalised during a meeting of the committee formed to implement the initiative, chaired by Tarique at the Secretariat.
“The Family Card programme will be expanded across the country in phases,” he said.
The "Family Card" was a centrepiece of the BNP’s election manifesto, which focused on building a "humane, inclusive, and accountable state".
The cardholder will be entitled to a certain amount of monthly payment, a benefit that will increase with time.
The programme aims to empower women by providing Tk 2,500 per card.
While the initial phase covers one ward in each of the 14 selected unions, the government plans to eventually expand the "universal" card system to every Upazila in the country, said Women and Children Affairs Minister Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain, after attending the meeting.
"The programme will be expanded gradually -- from one ward to a union, and eventually to every Upazila in the country," the minister said.
He emphasised that the cards would be distributed without any political, religious, or racial discrimination.
The selection process will follow a "door-to-door" approach conducted by field-level officials to ensure transparency, the minister said.
"No selection will be done from an office, it will be strictly field-based to avoid any exclusions," he added.
A committee led by the Upazila administrator (UNO) will oversee the implementation at the Upazila level, supported by government employees at the union and ward levels.
A first-class officer will be assigned to each Upazila to supervise ward-level activities through a two-tier checking system.
