State Minister for Social Welfare, Farzana Sharmin, attended as the chief guest at a shadow parliament debate competition organized by Debate for Democracy this morning at the BFDC in the capital. Photo: PID

DHAKA, April 25, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin today said that the Family Card is not merely an assistance program; rather it is a modern charter for the economic emancipation of country’s marginalized communities. 

She said, “By establishing a transparent and humane relationship between the state and its citizens, this initiative will transform Bangladesh into a developed and discrimination-free welfare state by 2030, where ‘Leave No One Behind’ will be ensured. Together, we all want to build the country.”

The state minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a shadow parliament debate competition on the priorities of social safety net programs in the budget, organized by Debate for Democracy this morning at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) in the capital.

Farzana Sharmin said, “During the previous Awami League regime, there were widespread irregularities and nepotism in the social security programs. During the current government's tenure, there will be no political interference or corruption in issuance of Family Cards.

 Genuine beneficiaries are being selected through the Integrated Budget and Accounting System.  (iBAS)  method, using door-to-door scoring. Rising above all partisan considerations, this benefit is being provided only to those in need.” 

She said that according to the BNP government's electoral pledge, the Family Card initiative has been included as a flagship program. “There is no fear of an increased debt burden due to the universal social security program,” she said.

The state minister further said that the previous government systematically destroyed various institutions, making the country dependent on others. During that time, in mega-projects, through extending project timelines and increasing costs, corruption and corrupt individuals were socially patronized. 

She added that the incumbent Minister Tarique Rahman is undertaking projects aimed at improving the living standards of marginalized communities instead of unnecessary mega-projects.