Photo: Video Screenshot

DHAKA, June 11, 2026 (BSS) - The government has proposed an allocation of Tk 5,196 crore for the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs in the national budget for Fiscal Year 2026–27.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today announced the national budget for the FY 2026-27 in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. 
Presenting the budget, the minister said enhancing legal and scientific capacity to protect women and children remains one of its highest priorities which will strengthen women’s empowerment, child protection, social security and rehabilitation initiatives across the country.

Under the multi-sectoral programme to prevent violence against women, a National Forensic DNA Profiling Laboratory and seven divisional DNA screening laboratories have already been established to strengthen investigation and justice mechanisms.

To bring emerging and aspiring women entrepreneurs under a formal state framework, the government is compiling a comprehensive national database. The initiative is expected to facilitate training opportunities, access to credit and stronger market linkages for women entrepreneurs.

The budget speech also highlighted specialised adaptation projects for women living in coastal regions to enhance resilience and strengthen their capacity to cope with climate change challenges.

To increase women’s economic self-reliance, the second phase of the Income-Generating Activities (IGA) Training Project for Women is being implemented successfully at the upazila level.
Under the Vulnerable Women Benefit (VWB) programme, 1,040,000 women across 4,586 unions in 493 upazilas are currently receiving 30 kilograms of rice and fortified rice every month.

The government is also implementing extensive social awareness and parenting programmes to ensure the proper development, protection and social security of children from conception to eight years of age.

A ‘Quick Response Team’ has been formed to respond immediately to incidents of violence against women as well as children and strengthen integrated support services.

To support working women, the government has undertaken an initiative to establish 20 modern daycare centres in the first phase, followed by an additional 60 centres in the next phase to facilitate greater participation of women in the workforce.

Specific projects have also been adopted to ensure social security and rehabilitation support for returnee female migrant workers with the aim of reducing migration-related vulnerabilities.

The government announced special long-term rehabilitation initiatives for street children and children at risk. Measures include reintegrating educated and trained children into their families and providing financial assistance to those households.

For girl children in conflict with the law, Child Development Centers are currently providing accommodation for an average of 350 girls annually while ensuring legal aid, social protection and access to justice.

At present, 33 Integrated Child Rehabilitation Centers are operating across 17 districts, offering separate accommodation and livelihood facilities for 3,300 boys and 3,300 girls through government support.

Special action plans are also being implemented for children with speech, hearing and visual impairments as well as children with autism.

The budget speech further recognised the sacrifice of children who lost their lives during the July Mass Uprising. As part of government support measures, financial assistance was provided to 84 affected families during World Children’s Day and Children’s Rights Week, including a one-time award of Tk 50,000 in prize bonds and a crest of honour.