Prime Minister's Adviser to Information and Broadcasting Ministry Dr Zahed Ur Rahman today spoke at a press briefing held at the conference room of the Directorate of Information (PID) at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Photo : PID

DHAKA, Apr 15, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister's Adviser to Information and Broadcasting Ministry Dr Zahed Ur Rahman today said marginal, small and medium farmers will get an incentive of Taka 2,000 per year. 

In addition, the agriculture cards will also be effective in obtaining agricultural loans, while the government has allocated Taka 1,150 crore in agriculture sector from the development budget.

The adviser revealed the information at a press briefing held at the conference room of the Directorate of Information (PID) at the Bangladesh Secretariat here.

Highlighting the progress of various government activities, Zahed Ur Rahman said the farmer card distribution programme has started under the Agriculture Ministry. 

Under a pilot project, 21,014 farmers in eight divisions of the country will be given the cards, he said. 

If the project is successful, the scheme will be expanded from the next fiscal year and more farmers will be brought under the programme in phases, he said.

Regarding the activities of the Land Ministry, the adviser said discussions are underway with the relevant stakeholders to formulate the "Jalmahal Act 2026". 
Through this, initiatives are being taken to protect the rights of fishermen and marginalised communities, he said. 

At the same time, Zahed Ur Rahman said, there is a plan to abolish the leasing system of Jalmahal.

About the Ministry of Religious Affairs, he said 78,800 pilgrims will perform hajj this year. 

Hajj flight operations have already started and necessary preparations have been made to ensure the smooth journey of the hajj pilgrims, he said.

Regarding the measles situation in the health sector, the adviser said vaccination programme has been strengthened. It will take some time for the vaccine to become effective, so patience will be needed for the situation to improve, he said.

Zahed Ur Rahman said as part of disaster preparedness, a list of 1,45,000 volunteers has been prepared to deal with possible earthquakes. 

A taskforce has been formed under the leadership of the Prime Minister in this regard and emphasis has been placed on implementing the national building codes, he said.

He said a "zero tolerance" policy has been announced against extortion to maintain law and order. 

In addition, the adviser said, the drive to demolish illegal structures is going on.

He said the use of top soil in brick kilns has been banned for environmental protection and strict surveillance has been started against hill cutting.

Zahed Ur Rahman said the "Prevention of Violence against Women and Children (Amendment) Act 2026" has been approved for protecting women and children. 
“It has provisions for speedy trial, witness protection and use of digital evidence. In addition, initiatives are being taken to form a special cell under the Prime Minister's Office to prevent cyber bullying against women,” he said.

The adviser also said the government is working on the people’s mandate and is moving forward with utmost sincerity in implementing the steps it has taken in various sectors.