ছবি: ফাইল ছবি
The government is set to formally launch the distribution of the Family Card program on March 10 in 14 districts across the country, marking a significant step toward strengthening and modernizing the national social protection framework. According to officials, the Family Card is being introduced as a universal identification and benefits-linked card designed to gradually include all citizens under a unified social security platform. However, in the initial phase, priority will be given to three specific categories of citizens: the extremely poor, the poor, and the lower-income groups. Authorities have stated that this prioritization aims to ensure that the most vulnerable and marginalized segments of society receive government services and assistance without delay. Through the Family Card system, beneficiaries will be able to access various social safety net programs, subsidies, and financial support mechanisms more efficiently, while their personal and financial information will be stored and verified through an integrated digital platform. Data collection at the union level has already begun through manual processes, and the gathered information will be digitized and preserved within a centralized software system to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in service delivery. Both offline and online application options will be available, ensuring equal access for citizens living in rural and urban areas alike. The government has clearly announced that the Family Card will be issued entirely free of cost, and no payment is required at any stage of the process. Reports have emerged that certain fraudulent groups are attempting to collect money from unsuspecting individuals under the pretext of facilitating the card, and authorities have warned that such activities constitute criminal offenses. Citizens have been urged to report anyone demanding money for the card to law enforcement agencies or local administration. The government plans to bring all eligible families under the program within four years through a phased implementation strategy. Beneficiary information will be maintained under the supervision of Bangladesh Bank, and recipients will be able to withdraw financial assistance from authorized banks of their choice, thereby ensuring secure and transparent financial transactions. Officials have emphasized that the card will be issued irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background, and no recommendation or political lobbying will be required to obtain it. The overarching objective of the initiative is to consolidate multiple welfare services into a single digital framework, reducing administrative complexity and ensuring that genuine beneficiaries receive timely support. Policy experts suggest that if implemented effectively, the Family Card could play a transformative role in poverty reduction, subsidy management, and preventing misuse of public funds. However, they also stress the importance of maintaining strict oversight, ensuring accurate data verification, and preventing corruption during the enrollment and distribution process. By leveraging technology to build a comprehensive national database, the government aims to create a more coordinated and evidence-based approach to social protection planning and policy formulation. The Family Card initiative is therefore being viewed as a new chapter in the country’s social welfare architecture, prioritizing marginalized communities first while gradually establishing a unified, inclusive, and digitally managed benefits system for all citizens.
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