Barisal, Feb 21 (V7N) — Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has announced that the government will begin distributing the much-discussed family cards starting this February, targeting an estimated 41 million families across the country.

He made the remarks on Saturday while speaking at a discussion meeting marking Ekushey February (Great Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day) in Barisal.

Family Card Rollout

The minister said the initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to strengthen social protection and connect directly with citizens.
He emphasized that the administration is moving forward with its pre-election commitments, including the 31-point state reform plan, which he said was presented transparently to the public before coming to power.

According to him, the family card program is designed not only as financial support but also as a step toward structured welfare delivery, reflecting the government’s vision of a more organized and inclusive support system.

Call for Administrative Neutrality

Swapan also stressed the importance of maintaining the neutrality and distinct role of the administration.
He warned that misunderstandings arise when the relationship between citizens and administrative institutions is unclear and said the government wants to ensure that state institutions are not used for partisan purposes.

The minister added that those responsible for past misuse of administrative structures should be identified, while acknowledging that some officials may have acted under compulsion.

END/SMA/AJ