Family Card Pilot Launched to Support Low-Income Households
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has begun implementing an election pledge by distributing contactless chip and QR code-enabled “Family Cards” to residents of the Korail slum in the capital through a software-based Proxy Means Test method. His spouse, Zubaida Rahman, was present during the programme.
At 11:30 am on Tuesday, 10 March, Tarique Rahman formally inaugurated the initiative by pressing the “Enter” button on a laptop at the T&T playground in Banani, adjacent to the Korail slum. Earlier, Begum Rina Akter received the first Family Card from the Prime Minister. Subsequently, Mosammat Sumi Khatun, Aklima Begum and Minara Begum received their cards one after another. After handing over the cards, the Prime Minister pressed the Enter button on the laptop to release the government cash assistance allocated for the card recipients.
At that moment, a message appeared on the screen stating: “The allowance for March/2026 for 37,567 beneficiaries of the Family Card piloting phase has been successfully sent from the Ministry of Social Welfare through the iBAS++ system.” Immediately afterward, beneficiaries received confirmation messages on their mobile phones indicating that the government assistance had been credited. Having gathered at the T&T ground since morning, many low-income beneficiaries were seen with tears of joy after receiving the state assistance ahead of Eid. Some expressed hopes of covering medical expenses, while others planned to save part of the funds.
In the initial phase, beneficiaries are receiving a monthly cash assistance of Tk 2,500. Each card, designed in the style of a National Identity Card, includes the beneficiary’s photograph, name, father’s or mother’s or spouse’s name, and NID number.
The event began with recitations from the Holy Quran and other religious scriptures. This was followed by the presentation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party party anthem “Prothom Bangladesh Amar Shesh Bangladesh.” Those present, including the Prime Minister, applauded and joined in rhythm with the music. Dr. Abu Yusuf, Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare, delivered the welcome address.
Earlier, at a press conference organised by the Ministry of Social Welfare at the Secretariat on Monday, 9 March, it was announced that the programme is being implemented on a pilot basis in 15 wards across 13 districts of the country. Although one card is allocated for a five-member family, the number of cards may be increased proportionately for larger or joint families, the press conference noted.
According to ministry sources, data from a total of 67,854 women-headed households across the country were collected during the pilot phase. A database was prepared after assessing family size, education, housing conditions and living standards. To prevent interference or favouritism, poverty indicators were determined automatically through Proxy Means Test (PMT) software. After verification, families receiving multiple allowances (double dipping), those with government employment, or those receiving pension benefits were excluded. Ultimately, 37,567 families were selected for the assistance programme. The cards incorporate contactless chip, QR code and NFC technology. Through the G2P (Government-to-Person) system, the allowance will be deposited directly into the beneficiary woman’s bank account or mobile wallet.
DBTech/IH/MUM/OR
