Social Welfare Minister Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain announced that the upcoming national budget will expand the scope of family cards, farmer cards, and religious sector programs. He said allocations for social safety programs have been increased, and financial grants for treating critical illnesses have been doubled. The minister made these remarks on Tuesday at a meeting with divisional officials at the Department of Social Services office in Agargaon.

Zahid Hossain stated that around 4.02 million people will be brought under the family card program next year. The government is also working to transform orphaned children into skilled human resources. Grants for patients suffering from cancer, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, thalassemia, and congenital heart disease will be raised to 100,000 taka, with total allocations proposed to increase from 3 billion to 6 billion taka. The minister said the program’s third pilot phase is expected to be completed by June.

State Minister Farzana Sharmin noted that despite many institutions under the ministry, coordination remains a challenge. The new work plan emphasizes better coordination to improve service quality.