A World Bank delegation has expressed its commitment to supporting the government’s ‘Family Card’ programme, aimed at providing financial assistance and social recognition to female-headed households.
The three-member team, led by World Bank Division Director Jean Pesme, met with Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain and State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin on Sunday at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
Social Welfare Secretary Dr Mohammad Abu Yousuf, Additional Secretary Nargis Khanam and Joint Secretary Mohammad Nazmul Ahsan were also present at that time.
During the meeting, Minister Zahid Hossain outlined the ‘Family Card’ programme, noting that 37,567 cards have been issued so far, each entitling the female head of the household to a monthly stipend of Tk2,500.
He further announced plans to implement a universal Family Card system within the next four years, with cards issued in the names of female household heads to ensure dignified civic recognition.
Jean Pesme praised the initiative, calling it a significant step towards enhancing social protection.
He reaffirmed the World Bank’s willingness to collaborate with the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs to support the programme’s implementation and promote social security and good governance.
Both parties agreed to work closely to ensure the sustainable rollout of the ‘Family Card’ programme, which remains a key election pledge of the current government.
