Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today emphasized the importance of empowering women to advance the nation, stating that it is impossible to progress by leaving half of the population behind.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Prime Minister made these remarks during the inauguration of the Family Card programme, organized by the Ministry of Social Welfare, at the T and T playground in Banani, near the Korail slum. Rahman highlighted the significant role women play in the country’s development and recalled the efforts of the late Begum Khaleda Zia in promoting women’s education.
Rahman noted that the new Family Card programme aims to economically empower educated women across Bangladesh. He expressed confidence that his government would extend this initiative to all four crore families, headed by women, within the next five years. The programme has already commenced in 14 upazilas, involving approximately 37,000 women, and includes 15,000 women in Dhaka’s Karail, Bhashantek, and Sattala slums.
The Prime Minister reminded attendees of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) election promise to distribute family cards among women, a promise fulfilled less than a month after forming the government. He also mentioned the introduction of the Farmer Card and the recent waiver of agricultural loans up to Taka 10,000, showcasing the government’s commitment to keeping its pledges.
Rahman expressed that the launch of the Family Card programme was an emotional milestone for him and his party, describing it as a historic day for the BNP. He reassured the public of the government’s dedication to fulfilling its promises despite global challenges, urging citizens to remain patient as the country strives for development.
The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s accountability to the people of Bangladesh, emphasizing that the administration was elected by and is responsible to the nation’s citizens. He concluded with his slogan, “We will work, we will build the country, Bangladesh first!”
The inauguration ceremony also witnessed the presence of Dr. Zubaida Rahman, Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin, Social Welfare Secretary Dr. Mohammad Abu Yusuf, and Dhaka North City Corporation administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan. The Family Card programme underscores the government’s commitment to national development and social justice by recognizing women as heads of families in social protection initiatives.