President Md. Shahabuddin announced that the government has introduced a 'Family Card' program aimed at empowering economically disadvantaged women and promoting family self-reliance. The initiative will officially begin on March 10, 2026. He made the announcement on Sunday at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka during the International Women’s Day 2026 event organized by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.

The president emphasized that women contribute about 16 percent to the country’s GDP and play vital roles across sectors including household work, healthcare, education, agriculture, industry, literature, and construction. He stressed that ensuring women’s safety both at home and in public is essential for achieving the benefits of development plans. Shahabuddin also noted that the government is taking strict measures to ensure swift justice and exemplary punishment for violence against women.

He further highlighted emerging challenges such as online harassment, cyberbullying, and child marriage, urging collective efforts through law enforcement and social awareness to address these issues effectively.