Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain has said information collection for implementing the Family Card, a universal social security programme, is underway across the country.
He said the card would be issued in the name of the eldest woman in each five-member family, with the financial assistance usable for household expenses, children’s education, homestead farming and developing women as small entrepreneurs.
The minister said this during a courtesy meeting with French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Sere-Charlet at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban today. Secretary of the ministry Dr Rowshan Ara Begum was present.
They discussed bilateral cooperation, investment, women’s empowerment, protection of women’s rights, the Family Card and sustainable development for women and children.
Dr Zahid said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had introduced the initiative as part of the government’s election pledges, prioritising women’s rights and inclusive development.
He also highlighted expanded allowances for persons with special needs and initiatives to improve accessibility in public buildings, including ramps and suitable washrooms.
The French ambassador appreciated the government’s social welfare initiatives for women’s empowerment, gender equality and disadvantaged children.
Meanwhile, the French Development Agency (AFD) will launch the ‘Feminist Foreign Policy Plus (FFP+) Local Group’ at the French Embassy in Dhaka on November 25.
The ambassador invited the minister to attend the ceremony as chief guest.
