KHULNA — The Family Card initiative, launched by the government in a bid to empower women, has already seen significant progress, with 37,567 beneficiaries receiving their cards nationwide in just 23 days, according to Parliament Whip Rakibul Islam Bakul.

Government’s Commitment to Women’s Empowerment

Bakul, speaking at the distribution ceremony held at Khalishpur Haji Shariat Ullah Bidyapith, said the initiative is a direct reflection of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s commitment to women’s empowerment. The program, he said, is a step towards ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities for women in the country.

He emphasized that the card system would be expanded nationwide after the national budget in June, ensuring that all eligible citizens would benefit from the initiative. The program was launched on a pilot basis at 14 locations across the country on the same day the Prime Minister inaugurated the initiative at T&T Playground in Banani, Dhaka.

According to Bakul, the initiative uses technology to select beneficiaries in a completely impartial manner. The PM scoring system analyzed 49 types of data to identify women from three categories: extremely poor, poor, and lower-income groups.

Bakul also expressed hope that the revival of mills, factories, and other defunct industries in Khulna would transform the city into a modern industrial hub. He stated that the government is committed to public interest over personal gain and that progress would be achieved through the efforts of honest and committed individuals.

Expansion of Social Programs

KCC Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju, speaking as a special guest, said that following the Family Card initiative, the government would implement other programs, including farmer cards, health cards, and assistance for imams and priests. These programs are part of a broader strategy to improve the quality of life for citizens across all sectors.

The ceremony was presided over by Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md. Mokhtar Ahmed, with addresses from Khulna Range DIG Md. Rezaul Haque, Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Hasan, Deputy Commissioner ASM Jamshed Khondkar, KCC Chief Executive Officer Rajib Ahmed, and Additional Superintendent of Police Ali Hossain Zaman. Director of the Divisional Social Services Office Anindita Roy delivered the welcome address.

Leaders of various political parties, government officials, beneficiaries, and a large number of local residents attended the event. The program was jointly organized by Khulna City Corporation, the district administration, and the Department of Social Services.

Public Welfare and Development

Bakul reiterated that the government is committed to public welfare and development, and that no injustice, drugs, or terrorism would be tolerated. He emphasized that the dream of a developed Khulna would be realized with the support of people regardless of their political affiliation.

The Family Card initiative has already started showing results, with beneficiaries receiving essential services and benefits. The government aims to expand the program further after the national budget in June, ensuring that all eligible citizens benefit from the initiative.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve the quality of life for citizens across all sectors. By focusing on public interest and ensuring equitable access to resources, the government is paving the way for a more inclusive and developed society.