The government has decided to form a committee led by the finance minister to finalise the structure and implementation strategy of the proposed ‘Family Card’ programme, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said on Thursday.
The announcement came after an inter-ministerial meeting at the Secretariat chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Speaking to reporters, Swapan said the government had already moved forward on several of its election pledges over the past two days under the Prime Minister’s leadership. He sought public support and cooperation for the successful implementation of the initiatives.
Describing the Family Card as one of the government’s most significant campaign commitments, the minister said distribution would begin within this month, ahead of Eid.
“This is among our most important electoral promises. Female members of every family in Bangladesh will gradually be brought under the family card network,” he said.
Replying to a question about geographic priorities, Swapan said the soon-to-be-formed committee would determine the final action plan and implementation guidelines within the next few days.
On the issue of financial assistance to be provided through the card, the minister said the amount has not yet been fixed.
“As we plan to distribute Family Cards to nearly 50 crore families in phases, the programme will be launched in a financially sustainable manner,” he said.
He added that the initial phase would prioritise the extremely poor, persons with disabilities, widows and other disadvantaged groups, with broader coverage to follow gradually.
