Dhaka:The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Social Welfare has emphasized the importance of selecting beneficiaries for social safety net programs without political influence to enhance the living standards of marginalized and underprivileged citizens.
According to United News of Bangladesh, this topic was a key focus during the committee's first meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, chaired by committee chairman Md Shahjahan. After the meeting, the chairman expressed the need to ensure that genuine beneficiaries receive social safety services without the interference of political considerations.
The government aims to elevate the living standards of impoverished and marginalized groups by implementing effective measures for social safety services. Shahjahan urged the Ministry of Social Welfare and the standing committee to collaborate on initiatives to support these communities.
During the meeting, a comprehensive report on the Ministry of Social Welfare's functions and activities was reviewed. The ministry highlighted plans to create a database for potential beneficiaries of the Family Card program, ensuring all citizens are gradually included. The ministry assured that there is no political bias in selecting Family Card beneficiaries, a stance the committee recommended maintaining.
The Family Card pilot program has been rolled out in 56 wards across 54 upazilas in 52 districts. Social Welfare Minister AZM Zahid Hossain emphasized a universal approach to the ministry's development, focusing on overall welfare rather than partisan interests.
State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin called for coordinated and timely initiatives, while committee member Jamaat lawmaker Md Mujibur Rahman suggested involving local lawmakers in the ministry's upazila-level activities. Other committee members in attendance included Sarwar Jamal Nizam, Mohammad Salman Omer, Arifa Sultana, and Nipun Roy Chowdhury.