Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the government will provide family cards to 40 million families across the country in phases over the next five years.
“Before the election, we promised to provide family cards to the poorest female-headed families. Today that promise has been fulfilled. So today is a historic and emotional day for me and the party,” he said.
The prime minister made the remarks while inaugurating the family card programme at the T&T School ground in Banani on Tuesday afternoon.
The event was presided over by AZM Zahid Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.
Tarique Rahman said the government aims to ensure accountability to the people and fulfil its election pledges.
“The government has been formed through your direct votes, so we are accountable to the people,” he said, adding that empowering women is essential for national progress.
“Half of the country’s population is women. If they are not empowered, the country cannot move forward.”
He said the programme began with a pilot project in line with government procedures and planning requirements.
According to the prime minister, 15,000 women from the Karail and Bhashantek areas received family cards in the first phase on Tuesday.
He added that several other election pledges have also been implemented since the government assumed office.
Among them, agricultural loans of up to Tk10,000 have been waived along with interest, he said, adding that the distribution of farmer cards will begin next month.
