KHULNA, May 13: Government has been working to build a humane, inclusive and accountable state under the slogan "Korbo Kaj, Gorbo Desh - Shobar Age Bangladesh" (We Will Work, We Will Build the Nation - Bangladesh First) in line with the vision "We Have a Plan".
Gazi Zakir Hossain, Director of the Divisional District Information Office (DIO), Khulna, said here on Wednesday at the press briefing on implementation of Government's Electoral Commitments
The press briefing was held in Khulna on Wednesday to highlight the progress in implementing the current government's electoral manifesto and various public welfare programmes.
The briefing was organised by the DIO, Khulna, at the Khulna Press Club at 11 am on Wednesday.
The event highlighted government initiatives relating to social safety, agriculture, environmental protection, women's empowerment and infrastructure development.
He said a number of programmes have already been undertaken to implement the government's electoral pledges.
Family Card Programme:
The briefing said the government has launched a digital social security initiative titled "Family Card" to ensure social protection for poor and marginalised people.
The smart cards will be issued in the name of the female head of the family.
Initially, the government plans to bring 50 lakh poor rural families under the programme.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the initiative on March 10, 2026, at the T&T ground adjacent to Korail slum in the capital.
Under the first phase, 37,567 ultra-poor families in 14 unions under 14 upazilas are receiving monthly assistance of Tk 2,500 each.
In Khulna City Corporation's Ward No. 10, a total of 4,158 beneficiaries out of 5,275 have already received Family Cards, while the remaining cards will be distributed gradually.
River and Canal Re-excavation Programme:
The government has planned to excavate, re-excavate and restore 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals across the country over the next five years.
As part of reviving late President Ziaur Rahman's "voluntary canal excavation programme", activities have already begun in 54 districts.
The programme aims to remove water-logging, improve irrigation systems and boost agricultural production.
Canal excavation works are currently underway in Dumuria, Batiaghata, Dacope, Dighalia, Terokhada, Rupsa, Paikgachha and Koyra upazilas of Khulna District.
Tree Plantation and Environmental Protection:
Under the slogan "Let the country be green, let the environment be clean", the government has planned to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years.
The programme is expected to create direct and indirect employment opportunities for around 3,50,000 people.
The government also plans to develop 10,000 new nursery entrepreneurs, which is expected to generate employment opportunities for nearly 2, 50,000 people.
The briefing also mentioned plans to implement a "Circular Future Model" through modern waste management systems.
A target has been set to plant 2,000 saplings in educational institutions at every upazila.
Special Bus Service for Women:
To ensure safe and comfortable transportation for women, the government has undertaken an initiative to introduce women-only bus services through BRTC.
The environment-friendly electric bus service will be operated entirely by women, including drivers and support staff, the briefing added.
Farmer Card and Agricultural Assistance:
With the slogan "If farmers survive, the country survives; let us build a fertile Bangladesh," the government has introduced the "Farmer Card" programme.
Through the card, landless and marginal farmers will receive 10 types of benefits, including subsidies, easy-term loans, seeds and fertilisers.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the programme on April 14 at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in Tangail.
In the first phase, 22,065 farmers in 10 districts have received Farmer Cards. Beneficiaries will also receive Tk 2,500 in annual cash assistance.
The government plans to bring around 16.50 crore farmers under the programme over the next four years.
Mass Communication Activities:
The briefing also said that over the last 180 days, the Department of Mass Communication conducted 1,021 courtyard meetings, 202 women's gatherings, 11,060 film screenings, 3,248 road campaigns and 2,316 online campaigns across the country.
Since February 17, the Divisional District Information Office, Khulna, has organised 152 film screenings, 65 road campaigns, 10 courtyard meetings, two women's gatherings, one family gathering and four live broadcasts on the Prime Minister's priority programmes.
The briefing said such awareness and publicity programmes would continue in the future to take the government's development and welfare activities to people's doorsteps.
Among others, Khulna Press Club President Mostafa Sarwar and General Secretary Tarikul Islam were present at the event.
