Family Card distribution to begin nationwide this month: Info Minister

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has announced that the government will begin rolling out the Family Card programme nationwide within this month, with financial assistance to be provided in the initial phase.

Speaking at a discussion programme organised by the district administration at the Barishal Shilpakala Academy auditorium marking Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day on Saturday, February 21, the minister said that the initiative has been taken on a priority basis to support disadvantaged families, particularly women.

“There are around 41 million families in Bangladesh. Our target is to gradually bring all families under the Family Card programme,” he said, adding that women in each household will be designated as the primary cardholders.

Swapan said that the programme will start with a fixed amount of financial support and will later be expanded to include additional benefits and services.

Highlighting broader government priorities, he said initiatives addressing climate change and unemployment are also being implemented. However, he emphasised that development programmes cannot succeed without ensuring a free, responsible and accountable media environment.

“Media must be allowed to function independently to ensure transparency and accountability,” he said, also expressing his commitment to updating the wage board for journalists.

Barishal Divisional Commissioner Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman chaired the event.

Shawon Khan/MHK