Prime Minister Tarique Rahman Pledges Accountability at Family Card Launch

Speaking at the formal inauguration of the "Family Card" distribution program at the T&T Playground in Banani, Dhaka, the Prime Minister emphasized that fulfilling electoral promises is the government's top priority. He arrived at the venue near the Korail slum around 10:30 AM, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, where he directly interacted with beneficiaries from the low-income community.

The "Family Card" Roadmap: 4 Crore Families by 2031

The Prime Minister announced an ambitious long-term vision to bring 40 million (4 crore) households under the social safety net within the next five years. This initiative, part of the BNP’s "Vision 2030" and "The Plan" youth policy, focuses on recognizing women as the primary heads of households. By issuing cards in the names of women, the government aims to ensure that financial aid—currently set at BDT 2,500 per month—is utilized for family health, children's education, and small-scale investments. The program is designed to provide support for a period of 5 to 7 years per family, acting as a bridge to self-sufficiency rather than a permanent handout.

Upcoming "Farmer Card" for Agricultural Revolution

Expanding on the theme of digital empowerment, Prime Minister Rahman promised the launch of a "Farmer Card" program starting next month, with a formal pilot rollout scheduled for April 14, 2026 (Pahela Baishakh). This card is intended to provide farmers with direct access to:

Fair-price agricultural inputs (fertilizer, seeds, and machinery).

Government subsidies and incentives transferred directly via G2P systems.

Agricultural loans on easy terms and crop insurance.

Fair prices for their produce by eliminating unnecessary intermediaries.

Focus on Women's Empowerment and National Progress

A central theme of the Prime Minister's speech was the empowerment of women as the engine of national growth. He stated that when women become self-reliant, the country progresses rapidly. By digitizing the social welfare system through modern smart cards featuring QR codes and NFC technology, the government intends to eliminate corruption and nepotism. The Prime Minister noted that these reforms are not just about social welfare but are essential steps in transforming the village economy and strengthening the economic foundation at the upazila and district levels.