US, EU envoys, UK delegation separately called on Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor Dr A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain. -Collage Photo

DHAKA, April 16, 2026 (BSS) – US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, European Union Ambassador Michael Miller and a delegation from the British High Commission led by Matthew David Carter today held separate courtesy meetings with Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor Dr A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain.

The meetings were held at the minister’s office at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

During the meetings, the minister discussed various government initiatives relating to social welfare, women and children’s development, social safety net programmes and humanitarian projects.

In his meeting with European Union Ambassador Michael Miller, the minister said the government is committed to implementing welfare-oriented programmes aimed at empowering women and children, ensuring the rights of persons with disabilities and improving the living standards of underprivileged communities.

He stressed the importance of enhanced cooperation with the EU, particularly in promoting women entrepreneurship, child protection initiatives and strengthening social safety nets.

In a separate meeting with US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen, the minister discussed potential US support and technical cooperation in Bangladesh’s social welfare sector. 

He said the government is pursuing a “zero tolerance” policy against all forms of violence against women and children, adding that international collaboration could further strengthen efforts in this regard.

He also highlighted the vibrant celebration of Pahela Baishakh this year, with participation from both local and foreign visitors. The minister invited the US Ambassador to attend a family card distribution programme scheduled to be held in Bogura district on April 20 in   presence of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

During his meeting with a delegation of the British High Commission led by Matthew David Carter, the minister highlighted the long-standing Bangladesh-UK relations and discussed prospects for joint projects in social welfare and women and children development sectors.

He said the government is working to build an inclusive and prosperous society in collaboration with the international community.

Referring to recent initiatives, the minister said that within 21 days of assuming office, the government launched a pilot programme on March 10 to distribute family cards among 37,814 underprivileged households headed by women in Dhaka.

He added that around 40 percent of the country’s population is directly or indirectly involved in agriculture, and “Krishi Card (Farmer’s Card)” has been introduced to restore the dignity of farmers.

The minister expressed hope for continued support from international partners in advancing welfare programmes, protecting the rights of women and children, and strengthening social security measures.

The foreign representatives expressed satisfaction over the discussions and assured continued support for Bangladesh’s development initiatives.

Senior officials, including Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Yasmin Parveen, were present at the meetings.