Tk 14,500cr allocated for Family Card programme

The government has announced a major expansion of its social protection framework, unveiling plans to provide Family Cards to 41 lakh women across the country under a flagship welfare programme in the proposed 2026–27 national budget.

Presenting the budget in parliament on Thursday, Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said Tk 14,500 crore has been allocated for the initiative, which aims to strengthen women's economic empowerment and social security.

Under the programme, each Family Card beneficiary will receive a monthly allowance of Tk 2,500, with the financial support being transferred directly to the primary female member of the household.

The government has identified the Family Card initiative as one of its flagship social protection programmes and plans to gradually expand its coverage nationwide by 2030.

According to the budget speech, pilot implementation has already begun, with the programme launched shortly after the current government assumed office.

Alongside the Family Card scheme, the government also announced continued support for vulnerable groups under existing social safety net programmes.

As part of the broader welfare package, nearly 18,95,000 mothers and children will receive Tk 850 per month under the Mother and Child Benefit Programme, which is also set to be expanded in the coming years.

The proposed budget further retains allocations for old-age allowances, widow allowances and support for women facing domestic hardship. In addition, the government has proposed increasing one-time financial assistance for patients suffering from six critical diseases, including cancer, from Tk 50,000 to Tk 100,000.