Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the government has started distributing family cards, fulfilling a pledge made before the national election.
“We promised before the election that a family card system would be introduced if we formed the government. We are now moving to fulfil that commitment. We have kept our word,” he said.
The BNP secretary general made the remarks while addressing a family card distribution programme as chief guest at the Rahimanpur Ui Alim Madrasha ground in Rahimanpur union of Thakurgaon Sadar upazila.
Fakhrul said the initiative has begun at the primary stage and the cards will gradually reach every household.
“Everyone will receive the card. It will go door to door. It is only a matter of time,” he said, adding that the family card would empower citizens and strengthen their position in accessing services.
He thanked the prime minister for selecting the area to launch the programme.
The minister said “The government has already distributed the cards within 22 days of taking office. He also announced that Tk10,000 in agricultural loans has been waived and that canal excavation work will begin on the 16th to store rainwater for use during drought periods.”
He added “Every farmer will receive an agriculture card, which will allow them to buy fertiliser, irrigation and seeds at fair prices.”
Fakhrul also criticised the previous government, saying that laws and regulations were not properly followed over the past 15 years and people often had to pay money to obtain cards.
“This time no money was required,” he said, urging people not to lose hope and assuring that all eligible citizens would receive the card.
Referring to the recent election, Fakhrul said he had earlier described it as his last election, but the people elected him again. “I will never be able to repay the debt I owe to you. But I want to continue working for the people,” he said.
He also said admissions to the medical college will begin in 2027, while work on a university and an airport will start soon in the region. The government will also provide freelancing training programmes to create employment opportunities for the youth and work to protect the younger generation from drug abuse.
Among others present at the event were Thakurgaon-2 MP Dr Abdus Salam, Divisional Commissioner Shahidul Islam, NDC, Deputy Commissioner Ishrat Farzana, local BNP leaders and beneficiaries of the programme.
