PM reviews labour reforms, Family Card expansion

 
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday held a series of engagements focusing on labour sector reforms, the expansion of social protection programmes and humanitarian assistance.

The day began with a courtesy meeting between the Prime Minister and International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo at the Prime Minister's Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat.

The meeting discussed improving labour standards, protecting workers' rights, ensuring safe workplaces, strengthening social security, developing skills, creating employment opportunities and implementing international labour standards.

Congratulating Tarique Rahman on assuming office, Houngbo said the formation of a government through a direct popular mandate had strengthened the international community's confidence in Bangladesh. He also expressed the ILO's interest in deepening its longstanding partnership with the country.

The Prime Minister said his government attached the highest priority to protecting workers' rights, ensuring safe workplaces and implementing international labour standards. The two sides also discussed the ready-made garment sector, the informal labour market, migrant workers' welfare, safe migration and skills development, stressing closer cooperation to advance labour reforms.

Later, Tarique Rahman chaired a high-level meeting at the Cabinet Division to review the phased nationwide expansion of the Family Card programme.

The meeting reviewed progress in implementing the programme, one of the key commitments in the BNP's election manifesto, and discussed its nationwide rollout.

The Prime Minister directed the authorities to ensure effective coordination among relevant agencies, use modern technology and prepare an accurate beneficiary database so that assistance reaches those most in need. He also stressed transparency and accountability in data collection, verification and beneficiary selection.

In a separate humanitarian initiative, Tarique Rahman directed the authorities to ensure treatment for two-year-old Anifa Akter, who is suffering from a rare congenital medical condition, after media reports highlighted her case.

A five-member medical board reviewed the child's condition and decided to finalise a treatment plan in consultation with a team of specialist doctors from China expected to visit Bangladesh. If necessary, she will be sent abroad for advanced treatment.

On behalf of the Prime Minister, a delegation assured Anifa's family that the government would provide full support for her treatment and conveyed his wishes for her speedy recovery.