DHAKA, Feb 27,  (V7N) – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to inaugurate the Family Card initiative, pledged during the election campaign, on March 10.  

Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said the government will launch the pilot phase of the programme, aiming to gradually bring two crore families under monthly cash support.  

He said the Prime Minister will formally inaugurate the four-month pilot project in 14 upazilas, where eligible families with at least five members will receive Tk 2,500 a month through direct transfers to their mobile wallets or bank accounts.  

During the pilot, 6,500 families will be covered, with expansion nationwide in phases.  

“If fully implemented, the programme would cost about Tk 5,000 crore a month and around Tk 60,000 crore a year,” Zahid Hossain added.  

END/AJ/RH