Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday inaugurated the Farmers’ Card distribution programme in Tangail.
He handed over cards to farmers along with “nature-friendly trees” at around 12:15pm.
He arrived at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in the district town at around 11:20am, where several thousand people gathered to attend the launching ceremony.
From early morning, farmers from Tangail Sadar and nearby areas gathered at the stadium, creating a festive atmosphere linked with Pahela Baishakh celebrations. Many farmers, dressed in colourful attire, expressed excitement at seeing the Prime Minister and joining the new government initiative.
As soon as the programme was launched, Tk 2,500 was transferred directly to the bank accounts of 22,067 farmers in 11 upazilas through mobile banking.
In Tangail alone, 1,453 farmers received the money.
The Prime Minister entered the stadium at around 11:20am.
Upon arrival, he went straight to the stage and greeted farmers by waving at them.
The programme organised by the Ministry of Agriculture began with recitations from the Holy Quran, Gita, Bible and Tripitaka.
Several thousand farmers along with
leaders and supporters gathered at the stadium, creating a festive atmosphere on the Bangla New Year.
People filled both the ground and gallery areas.
Agriculture Minister Aminur Rashid presided over the programme.
Among others present were Prime Minister’s political adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizbi, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock and local MP Sultan Salauddin, FAO Representative in Bangladesh Jiaoqun Shi, and Agriculture Secretary Rafiqul Islam.
According to officials, the Prime Minister left his residence in Dhaka at around 8:58am and travelled by road directly to the venue to inaugurate the programme. A large stage was set up at the stadium under the Ministry of Agriculture.
Officials said the Farmers’ Card distribution marks the start of a pre-pilot initiative launched simultaneously in 11 upazilas across the country.
Local representatives called the day historic for Tangail, saying the programme reflects the government’s commitment to improving farmers’ livelihoods, as pledged in its election manifesto.
Under the initiative, farmers will receive a special debit card linked to a bank account. It will allow access to services including fair-priced agricultural inputs, irrigation support, easy loans, subsidies, training, weather forecasts, crop protection advice, insurance and improved market access.
In the initial phase, more than 22,000 farmers have been registered, including landless, marginal, small, medium and large farmers, as well as those involved in fisheries, livestock and salt production.
Officials said landless, marginal and small farmers will receive Tk 2,500 annually through the card.
In Tangail, around 1,500 farmers are set to receive the card. The Prime Minister is expected to hand over cards to a small number of beneficiaries on stage.
Farmers attending the event expressed hope that the initiative will ease their struggles, especially in accessing seeds, irrigation and financial support.
The Farmers’ Card programme will be implemented in three phases — pre-pilot, pilot and nationwide rollout — with plans to gradually bring all farmers under its coverage.
