The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led government has initiated steps to implement its election pledge by launching the “Family Card” program on a pilot basis across the country starting March 10.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the distribution of Family Cards from Korail slum in Dhaka on the opening day of the program.
The decision was finalized at a cabinet meeting held on February 24 at the Secretariat, chaired by the Prime Minister. Following the meeting, Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Mohammad Zahid Hossain formally announced the rollout.
Monthly Financial Assistance
Under the government’s plan, beneficiaries selected for the Family Card will receive a monthly allowance of Tk 2,500 after enrollment in the program.
The initiative is being introduced under the “Family Card Piloting Implementation Guideline-2026,” prepared by the Ministry of Social Welfare.
Priority Beneficiaries
According to the guideline, the program aims to bring marginalized and underprivileged communities under structured social protection coverage.
Priority will be given to:
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Landless and homeless families
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Families with persons with disabilities
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Members of the Hijra community
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Bede (nomadic) communities
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Ethnic minority families
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Households owning 0.5 acres of land or less
The government says the Family Card initiative is designed to strengthen social safety nets and ensure targeted financial support for vulnerable populations as part of its broader welfare strategy.
