Prime Minister Tarique Rahman formally distributed Family Cards to citizens in Dhaka’s Korail slum on Tuesday, fulfilling a key election promise. The launch event took place at Mohakhali T&T Field, where Rahman pressed a button to transfer funds to 37,567 recipients, each receiving 2,500 taka. He described the day as emotional and announced that a Farmer Card program would be introduced within the next month.
Rahman said the initiative aims to empower women who benefited from free education policies introduced under former leader Khaleda Zia. Initially, 15,000 women from Korail, Saat Tola, and Bhashantek areas have been included, with a goal to reach 40 million people nationwide within four years. He also urged patience, noting that global conditions might delay some commitments.
Social Welfare Minister Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain stated that the Family Card was a long-cherished dream of the Prime Minister and emphasized that only the ultra-poor would receive cash benefits. Other attendees included the Prime Minister’s wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman, DNCC administrator Shafiqul Islam Milton, and foreign ambassadors.