‘Family Card’ Distribution in Chittagong: Women’s Empowerment as Core Goal, Says Finance Minister

PNN News Desk: Chittagong
Finance and Planning Minister Ameer Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that the Family Card program will ensure women’s empowerment. He mentioned that the distribution of the cards has prioritized women heads of households.

On Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., at the Patenga Airport High School field, the Family Card inauguration ceremony was held, where the minister directly handed over cards to five women.

According to the district administration, the program is being piloted in Chittagong-11 (South Patenga) Ward. In the first phase, 5,575 women heads of households will receive the Family Card, providing 2,500 BDT per family.

The minister said, “Through the Family Card program, the significant role of women in backward families will be ensured. If the female head of the household is not empowered, her capability, confidence, and social respect cannot increase, which is essential for national development.”

He added that government projects usually take a long time to implement, but with proper leadership and goodwill, it can be accomplished quickly. The Family Card program is proof of this.

No application was required for this card; the government surveyed poor families and distributed cards house to house. Initially, the poorest will be included, followed by poor and lower-income families.

The minister mentioned that a significant portion of the budget has been allocated for this project to ensure public empowerment, women’s empowerment, and improvement in family living standards.

In addition to the Family Card, the government has introduced health service programs and Farmers Cards. Loans worth approximately 12,000 crore BDT have been waived for poor farmers so they can restart farming and increase productivity.

The welcome speech was given by Chittagong District Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah, the ceremony was presided over by Chittagong City Mayor Shahadat Hossain, and special guests included State Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin and Chittagong-9 MP Abu Sufian. BNP leaders and other officials were also present.