Social Welfare Minister AZM Zahid Hossain said on Saturday that the government will begin distributing Family Cards in every upazila across the country, including Rangpur city, within the next 10-12 weeks.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with officials of the Department of Social Services at the Rangpur District Social Services Office, he said people would not need to apply for the cards, as government officials would visit households to collect information and identify eligible beneficiaries through a computer-based verification process.
The minister said the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, warning that anyone involved in graft within the ministry would not be spared.
He also said all social welfare allowances, including those provided under the Family Card programme, are now being transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring greater transparency.
On disability services, Zahid Hossain said nearly 4.5 million people with disabilities are registered in Bangladesh.
He said 45 mobile therapy units are currently operating nationwide and the government plans to expand the service.
The minister also announced plans to establish a standard school for children with disabilities in every district and at least one in each upazila.
Highlighting poverty alleviation initiatives, Zahid said the ministry is providing vocational training, free equipment and interest-free loans to help beneficiaries become self-reliant.
He also stressed the need to strengthen democracy by ensuring credible elections and making elected representatives accountable to the people.
Among others, reserved seat lawmaker Rezeka Sultana Fancy, Rangpur Development Authority Chairman Shamsuzzaman Samu, Rangpur City Corporation Administrator Mahfuz Un Nabi Chowdhury, and Department of Social Services Director General Shah Mohammad Mahboob attended the programme.
