Dhaka: Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain today announced that a Universal Family Card will be issued within the next four years. ‘The card will be issued in the name of the female head of each family, providing a dignified recognition of her status as a citizen,’ he made the statement during a meeting with a three-member World Bank delegation led by its Divisional Director at his secretariat office here. State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin was also present at the meeting.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Family Card initiative is part of the government’s commitment to fulfill one of the key electoral promises of BNP. Currently, 37,567 Family Cards have been issued in the names of female heads of households, with beneficiary families receiving financial assistance of Taka 2,500 per month.
The World Bank delegation congratulated the minister on this initiative, describing it as a positive step toward strengthening social protection. They also assured their support in implementing the programme.
Both parties have agreed to collaborate to ensure the sustainable implementation of the Family Card programme. Senior officials of the ministry, including Social Welfare Secretary Dr. Mohammad Abu Yousuf, were present at the meeting.