Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr AZM Zahid-File Photo

DHAKA, Feb 24, 2026 (BSS) - Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr AZM Zahid today said the government's 'Family Card' programme will be implemented entirely free of cost, with no scope for anyone to demand money in exchange for the card.

"If anyone attempts to commit fraud in this regard, legal action will be taken with the assistance of the concerned law enforcement agencies," he said at an emergency press conference held at his residence in Dhanmondi on Tuesday night.

Dr Zahid said the programme will be officially inaugurated on March 10, following a decision taken at a Cabinet Committee meeting chaired by the Prime Minister. "Insha'Allah, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the programme on that day," he added.

Initially, the programme will be launched in 14 upazilas across the country. To ensure smooth implementation, coordination committees have been formed at the union, ward and city corporation levels in each upazila. A first-class officer is assigned to each committee, while officials and employees from various ministries and departments are carrying out their respective responsibilities, the minister said.

He noted that the BNP has long been working for the welfare of the people, particularly focusing on women's empowerment and financial self-reliance. The 'Family Card' initiative aims to strengthen families economically and help build a capable future generation. However, he alleged that a certain quarter is trying to create controversy around the programme.

The minister said there have been reports from some areas that money is being demanded from innocent people in exchange for providing the Family Card. In some cases, such demands are reportedly being made even in places where the programme has not yet begun.

He clarified that the Family Card will be provided completely free of charge and will be handed over to the female head of each designated family, regardless of religion, caste, tribe or political affiliation.

"No lobbying, competition or recommendation is required to receive this card," he said, adding that no one will be excluded or receive extra benefits. The programme will be implemented in phases -- initially in one ward, then gradually expanded to multiple wards and upazilas and eventually nationwide. The government aims to deliver the Family Card to all families across the country within the next four years.

Dr Zahid also announced plans to develop an integrated information collection system under the programme. Data will first be gathered directly from the field and later incorporated into a software-based automated system to ensure transparency and prevent inclusion or exclusion errors. "Maximum efforts are being made to reduce possible errors to zero," he said.

He further informed that financial assistance under the Family Card will be sent directly from Bangladesh Bank to the designated mother's mobile number. Beneficiaries will be able to withdraw the money through bKash or other legal channels. "No intermediary will be involved. Government officials and employees will regularly monitor whether beneficiaries are receiving the money properly," he added.

Urging the public to remain vigilant, the minister said any demand for money in the name of the Family Card should be considered fraud. He called on citizens to inform law enforcement agencies, relevant government officials or the media if they encounter such incidents and to collectively resist any attempt to tarnish the initiative.