Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, has announced that within the next eight years, not a single person with a disability in Bangladesh will remain outside the scope of government allowances.
The minister further stated that the process of enrolling individuals with disabilities into the allowance scheme will commence this July, and he urged families to submit the names of their disabled members.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at a Family Card distribution ceremony held on Saturday at the Belabo Upazila Parishad hallroom in Narsingdi.
Addressing the women beneficiaries present, the minister recalled his pre-election pledge to provide welfare that would ensure their wellbeing. He explained that the government is providing three specific supports to enable citizens to live well, worship, and raise their children with dignity.
Through the Family Card, beneficiaries will receive 2,500 BDT per month, amounting to a total of 30,000 BDT over twelve months. He noted that this financial independence would mean women would no longer need to depend on their husbands for money; rather, husbands would now be the ones seeking assistance from them.
Regarding advancements in the health sector, Sakhawat announced the introduction of a new medicine in the country designed to delay labour pain to facilitate normal deliveries. To bolster healthcare services, the government plans to recruit 100,000 health workers. He requested the public to remain patient as the government works to ensure healthcare for all citizens.
The second phase of the nationwide Family Card distribution programme was officially inaugurated online from Chandpur by Prime Minister Tariq Rahman. Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bakul participated in the event via video link from Narsingdi. During the ceremony, Family Cards were distributed among 366 beneficiaries from Ward No 7 of Binnabaid Union under Belabo Upazila.
The event, organised by the district administration, was presided over by the Deputy Commissioner, Israt Jahan Keya. Other notable attendees included Manjur Elahi, Member of Parliament for Narsingdi-3 (Shibpur) and General Secretary of the District BNP; Umme Hafsa Nadia, Upazila Nirbahi Officer; Tofazzal Hossain Liaquat, Vice President of the District BNP; and Ahsan Habib Biplob, Convener of the Belabo Upazila BNP.
