Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday announced a series of new initiatives to strengthen social protection and promote inclusive development while unveiling the proposed national budget in Parliament.
He said the government’s primary objective is to build a prosperous, equitable and welfare-oriented state by reinforcing social safety nets and ensuring inclusive growth.
The minister added that economic empowerment and self-reliance will serve as the foundation of the country’s social protection framework.
Under the proposed “Family Card” programme, poor households will receive Tk2,500 per month in the initial phase.
The programme is planned for nationwide expansion by 2030, with pilot activities already underway.
In the upcoming fiscal year, around 41 lakh families are expected to benefit from the initiative, for which an allocation of Tk14,500 crore has been proposed.
The minister also announced expanded benefits for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Citizens aged 65 and above will receive free train travel along with a 25 per cent discount on metro rail services.
The number of beneficiaries under the disability allowance programme will be increased to 38 lakh, with a monthly allowance set at Tk1,000.
Scholarships for students with disabilities will also be expanded to 100,000 recipients, with monthly stipends raised from Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,400, depending on category.
Under the mother and child support programme, around 18.95 lakh beneficiaries will receive a monthly allowance of Tk850.
Financial assistance for patients suffering from six critical diseases will be increased, with one-time grants rising from Tk50,000 to Tk100,000.
Student stipends will also be enhanced, increasing from Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,400 per month.
Freedom fighters will continue to receive a monthly honorarium of Tk 20,000, while benefits for decorated freedom fighters and their families will be revised upward, including Tk 40,000 for Bir Sreshtho, Tk30,000 for Bir Uttom, Tk25,000 for Bir Bikram, and Tk25,000 for Bir Protik categories.
The government will also continue monthly assistance for families of martyrs of the July uprising at Tk20,000, while injured individuals will receive monthly support ranging from Tk10,000 to Tk 20,000, depending on category.
The finance minister said the social security budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year has been proposed at Tk1,44,338 crore, compared to Tk1,26,731 crore in the revised budget of 2025–26.
He said the initiatives are aimed at ensuring social justice, reducing poverty and expanding access to inclusive development opportunities across all segments of society.
