The government has moved forward with plans to introduce a new social protection initiative titled the “Family Card,” aimed at strengthening financial security for marginalised, poor and lower-middle-income households.
The policy decision was taken at an inter-ministerial meeting held at the Secretariat on February 19, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Officials say the program is designed to complement existing social safety net schemes while offering higher direct financial assistance through a coordinated, technology-driven system.
What is the Family Card?
According to government sources, the Family Card will function as a database-based digital identification system through which selected families will receive regular cash assistance. In addition to direct financial support, the program may also include subsidised or free essential commodities.
Social Welfare Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said the financial assistance would be transferred directly to the female head of the household to ensure women’s economic empowerment.
He clarified that the Family Card would not replace existing allowances such as old-age, widow or disability benefits. “Those programs will continue.
“The Family Card will expand and strengthen the overall social protection framework,” he said.
How much will beneficiaries receive?
Following the meeting, officials indicated that each card-holding family may receive between Tk2,000 and Tk2,500 per month in direct cash assistance. The exact amount will be finalised by a cabinet committee formed to design the programme framework.
Government representatives have claimed that the new benefit could be at least double the amount provided under existing social safety schemes.
In addition to cash transfers, the government is also considering food support, including essentials such as rice, lentils, edible oil and salt. However, it remains unclear whether food assistance will be offered alongside cash or as an alternative option.
Who will be eligible?
In the initial phase, priority will be given to marginalised and low-income families. The government plans to gradually expand the coverage to include poor and lower-middle-income households.
Officials have said that, in the long term, the program aims to reach nearly 40 million families nationwide. To prevent duplication, only one Family Card will be issued per household.
Although ministers have described the program as “universal” in ambition, they emphasised that implementation will begin with the most vulnerable segments of society.
Focus shifts to poverty-prone regions
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo revealed that the government initially considered launching the program in ten divisional cities. However, that plan has been revised.
“Our initial intention was to start from divisional cities,” Mintoo said. “But after reviewing the realities, we have decided to prioritise poverty-stricken and vulnerable areas.”
He added that char (riverine island) and coastal communities would receive special priority due to their exposure to natural disasters, economic instability and infrastructural limitations.
“People in coastal and char areas regularly face cyclones, tidal surges, river erosion and the impacts of climate change. It is urgent to bring them under a stronger social protection framework,” he said.
According to Mintoo, the prime minister has directed that the programme begin where the need is greatest. “The objective is not just a formal launch, but to develop an effective model in areas where delivering state support is more challenging,” he added.
Pilot project before Eid
The government plans to launch a pilot phase of the Family Card program before Eid-ul-Fitr. Initially, one upazila from each of the country’s eight divisions will be selected for piloting. The specific locations have not yet been finalised.
Officials believe that lessons learned from the pilot phase will help refine the policy framework and ensure smoother nationwide implementation.
How to apply
Although formal applications have not yet begun, the government has outlined two potential methods: offline and online.
Offline application
Eligible families will be able to collect and submit application forms through local union, municipality or city corporation councillor offices. Local administration and elected representatives will help prepare preliminary beneficiary lists.
Online application
Authorities are preparing to launch an online portal linked to the National ID (NID) database. Once operational, applicants will be able to apply using their NID through smartphones or computers.
Officials said a digital Management Information System (MIS) will be developed using the National ID and National Household Database to ensure transparency and prevent irregularities.
Required documents
Applicants will likely need:
- National ID (NID) card
- Passport-sized photograph
- Active mobile phone number
In cases where an applicant does not have an NID, a birth registration certificate may be considered as an alternative. Officials have confirmed that the application process will be free of charge.
How will the money be disbursed?
Financial assistance will be transferred directly through mobile financial services such as bKash, Nagad or Rocket, or to a bank account. The emphasis on digital transfers is intended to reduce intermediaries and minimise the risk of corruption.
The government has reiterated that funds will preferably be deposited in the account of a female household member.
Cabinet committee formed
To finalise the design and eligibility criteria of the programme, a 15-member cabinet committee has been formed under the leadership of the finance minister. The committee includes two ministers, two state ministers, advisers, the cabinet secretary and secretaries from seven ministries.
The Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs will provide secretarial support.
The committee’s mandate includes:
- Designing the Family Card system
- Finalising beneficiary selection criteria
- Developing a digital MIS framework
- Reviewing whether existing women-focused cards can serve as a base
- Preparing the pilot implementation roadmap
The committee has been instructed to submit a preliminary report by February 24.
What lies ahead
Officials say detailed guidelines, including final benefit amounts, eligibility criteria and the launch date of the online portal, will be announced once the committee submits its recommendations.
While the government describes the Family Card as an innovative and transformative addition to the country’s social safety net, observers note that its long-term success will depend on transparent beneficiary selection, sustainable financing and efficient digital implementation.
For now, attention remains focused on the upcoming committee report and the planned pilot rollout before Eid.
