'Family Card' for ultra-poor to launch on pilot basis before Eid

The government has taken the final decision to implement the 'Family Card' program for the poor and ultra-poor, with a pilot project planned to launch before Eid-Ul-Fitr during Ramadan, officials said on Thursday. The decision was made at an inter-ministerial meeting held at the Secretariat, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

During the meeting, ministers reviewed the progress and proposed structure of the Family Card initiative. Following the meeting, the Cabinet Division issued a notification forming a 15-member committee to recommend procedures for implementation.

Committee Formed to Oversee Implementation
The committee, led by Finance Minister, includes ministers, state ministers, advisers, and secretaries from key ministries such as Women and Children Affairs, Social Welfare, Local Government, Finance, Planning, ICT, and the Election Commission. Members include Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Mir Mahe Alam, Farzana Sharmin Putul, Mahdi Amin, Rehan Al Asad, and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Nasimul Gani, among others.

The committee has been asked to submit a primary report by February 24 and is tasked with drafting the Family Card design, selecting beneficiaries, planning distribution across upazilas in all eight divisions, considering special arrangements for women, and integrating the program with the national household database.

Pilot Program Ahead of Eid
Environment and Forest Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo said the Family Card initiative is clearly outlined in the government's election manifesto. "Discussions focused on effective implementation, and a policy decision has now been approved," he said.

The program will prioritize ultra-poor families in the first phase, followed by poor and middle-income households. Preparations are underway to launch the pilot project before Eid, in line with the government's directive.

Enhanced Assistance and Digital Delivery
Social Welfare Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain stated that financial assistance under the Family Card will more than double the amount provided under existing allowance schemes. He clarified that ongoing welfare programs will continue, while the new Family Card will be distributed universally.

"The assistance will be delivered directly to beneficiaries through modern information technology systems," he added, emphasizing that the Family Card aims to expand and strengthen the country's social safety net programs.

Other Government Initiatives
Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired another meeting discussing a plan to plant 250 million trees over five years and the nationwide River-Canal-Waterbody Excavation and Re-excavation Program.

In the morning, Directors General of NSI and DGFI, along with the chiefs of the three armed forces, paid courtesy calls on the Prime Minister.

PM Travels in Personal Vehicle
On Thursday morning, the Prime Minister traveled from his Gulshan Avenue residence to the Secretariat in his own car, stopping at traffic lights along the way and waving to pedestrians. Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Ruman noted that Tarique Rahman prefers using his personal vehicle rather than the government-provided car, a practice first observed on Wednesday, which has drawn public attention.