4 Million Families to Receive Family Cards

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said that labeling a people-oriented budget as “anti-people” or a “snack-budget” amounts to taking a position against public interest. He emphasized that politics centered on public welfare is essential for earning the trust of citizens.

The prime minister made the remarks on Wednesday while inaugurating the government's Family Card distribution program in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar, in an apparent reference to opposition parties.

The event was held at Victoria High School Field in Sreemangal.

Tarique Rahman said, “A political party has described as anti-people a budget that removed duties on 60 essential products. Can those who call a budget designed for the welfare of citizens anti-people ever be considered friends of the people? They cannot.”

Highlighting the government's efforts to improve the living standards of farmers and low-income groups, the prime minister said special allocations had been included in the recently announced budget. Beginning in July, 4 million farmers will receive Farmers’ Cards within a year, while another 4 million families will be provided with Family Cards.

“There are nearly 40 million families in the country. We have a plan to gradually bring all of them under this program,” he said. “Priority will be given to placing these cards in the hands of female heads of households.”

Reaffirming the government's commitment to ensuring peaceful coexistence and equal development opportunities for all citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity, Rahman said women’s participation alongside men is essential to accelerating national development. He noted that the Family Card program was launched to help make women more economically self-reliant.

The prime minister also outlined several initiatives aimed at improving the living standards of tea workers. As part of a housing assistance program, 50 female tea garden workers received grants of Tk 200,000 each. Educational scholarships were awarded to 150 children of tea workers, while medical assistance was provided to persons with disabilities.

Rahman said the Family Card distribution program for tea workers is part of the government's efforts to fulfill its election pledges.

Discussing the national budget, he added that allocations for the health, education, and agriculture sectors had been increased. Funding has also been set aside to upgrade upazila-level hospitals from 50 to 100 beds. To protect domestic industries, the government has adjusted import duties to encourage local production and create jobs.

Various forms of assistance were distributed among 155 beneficiaries during the event. The support package included Family Cards for 10 recipients, medical assistance of Tk 50,000 each for five individuals, financial support of Tk 10,000 each for five members of ethnic minority communities, educational grants of Tk 10,000 each for five students, stipends of Tk 10,000 each for 100 disadvantaged and disabled individuals, and housing grants of Tk 200,000 each for five tea workers.

Also speaking at the event were Social Welfare Minister Professor Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, State Minister Farzana Sharmin, Moulvibazar-4 lawmaker Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury, and Moulvibazar District BNP Convener Faizul Karim Moyun.