State Minister for Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin Putul says the government is moving to reform Bangladesh’s social protection system through direct cash transfers, integrated databases and employment-focused welfare policies, while also acknowledging long-standing irregularities in beneficiary selection and weak institutional capacity.
In an interview with Dhaka Tribune, the BNP leader and first-time minister spoke about nepotism in welfare programs, reforms in the Family Card Project, accessibility for persons with disabilities and the challenges she faced after taking office.
Dhaka Tribune: As one of the youngest state ministers, is this recognition of ability or family legacy?
Farzana Sharmin Putul: It is a combination of many things. I cannot deny the influence of my father, but the party’s trust and my own work also played important roles. If my father had not guided me, if the party had not supported me, or if I had not worked sincerely among the people, I would not be here today.
How has your father’s politics shaped your career?
My father has had the biggest influence on me. I closely observed his political journey and principles. I believe if I can follow the path he showed, there is no need to create something entirely different. I am trying to continue that politics of positive change in today’s context.
Billions go to safety nets, yet the poor are left out - why?
One of the biggest problems in the past was nepotism in preparing beneficiary lists. Another major issue was that the card might be in one person’s name, but the mobile banking account belonged to someone else. As a result, the money went elsewhere. We are now identifying these problems and trying to remove middlemen through direct transfers using the G2P system and integrated social protection platforms.
Influential, solvent people are said to get Family Card - what’s your response?
Whenever we receive complaints, we investigate immediately. A lot of information is still collected manually, so mistakes happen at the field level. Sometimes a person with a concrete house is listed as living in a temporary house. We are working to correct such errors, but I also believe honesty at the field-administration level is crucial.
Will Family Card data be integrated with tax, land or state databases?
We do not yet have a centralized data center where all information can be accessed instantly, but we are moving in that direction. We are trying to create a “family tree” database by coordinating information from different ministries so benefits can be distributed more effectively and duplication can be avoided.
What’s the long‑term goal of the Family Card?
Over the next five years, we want to collect information on around four crore people. The goal is not only to provide allowances, but also to help people become self-sufficient through employment and skill development.
Are welfare programs used as vote banks?
Social protection programs can have political impact, but voters are much more aware now. Our objective is human development, not vote-bank politics. If several families in a village improve their lives, the entire village benefits.
Disability facilities remain inadequate, what’s being done?
In many cases, there is effectively nothing. Even ministry buildings lack ramps and proper washrooms. We are working to improve accessibility in buildings and transportation systems while also focusing on legal support, skill development and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Disability allowances still need local reps’ letters, will this change?
Yes, that culture must change. Once information is directly linked to the database and NID system, benefits can go straight to the recipient without political recommendations or interference.
Is there a roadmap to cut allowance dependency?
Absolutely. We do not want people dependent on allowances. Financial assistance should give them confidence and help them stand on their own feet. We are introducing training programs and promoting initiatives like “one village, one product” to create local employment opportunities.
How will street children and vagrants be rehabilitated?
Our approach has three stages: first food and basic education, then skill development, and finally employment. We are reviewing ongoing projects and focusing on quality rather than quantity.
Juvenile centers overcrowded, mismanaged -- how to improve?
The condition of many correction centers is extremely poor. In some cases, those responsible for correction also need correction. We are currently reviewing the institutions and identifying where reforms are needed.
Since assuming office, biggest hurdle faced?
What seemed problematic from outside appeared even worse once inside. There are complications at many levels of administration. A culture built over 17 years cannot be changed in just three months. But we are trying to bring the state closer to the people and gradually change that mindset.
