Dhaka: Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor Dr A Z M Zahid Hossain, MP today stated that the forthcoming budget aims to establish a humane and inclusive Bangladesh. ‘Not leaving anyone behind, the present government is working to build a humane and inclusive Bangladesh involving everyone,’ he emphasized during his address as the chief guest at a pre-budget dialogue titled ‘National Budget 2026-27: Political Commitments and Citizens’ Expectations’, organized by CPD at Lakeshore Hotel in Gulshan in the capital this afternoon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Zahid highlighted the Ministry of Social Welfare’s plan to provide direct financial assistance to nearly 40.20 lakh families by June 30, 2027, through the Family Card programme. This initiative will be operated entirely via an NID-based digital system, ensuring that funds are transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts without the involvement of intermediaries.
Dr Zahid further elaborated on the ministry’s initiatives aimed at rehabilitating persons with disabilities, ethnic minority communities, and individuals engaged in begging. Programs are also in place to improve the living standards of the hijra community, Dalit, Harijan, and Bede communities, as well as ensuring the protection of tea workers, children, and women.
He mentioned that ongoing OMS and food-friendly programmes aim to eradicate poverty and ensure food security for low-income groups, with rice distribution activities continuing under the Vulnerable Women Benefit programme. Additionally, the government seeks to support farmers through the Farmer Card programme, which includes agricultural input support, supply of crop seeds, crop insurance, and agricultural loan facilities.
Dr Zahid reiterated the government’s commitment to creating employment opportunities, particularly for women and marginalized communities, through skill development programmes. He emphasized the government’s belief in inclusive development, aiming to progress by including everyone without exclusion.
The dialogue, held under the initiative of Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, attracted participation from members of parliament, ministry representatives, economists, researchers, private sector representatives, and civil society leaders. Mahmuda Habib, MP, Md Saiful Alam Kham Milon, MP, and Social Welfare Secretary Dr Mohammad Abu Yusuf were among the speakers, while Towfiqul Islam Khan, additional research director of CPD, presented the keynote paper. Various recommendations were put forth to ensure that the upcoming national budget is more people-oriented, efficient, inclusive, and equitable.