By Asma Parvin :

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to inaugurate the Family Card initiative, promised during the election campaign, on March 10.

Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain disclosed this information today.

He said the government is set to launch pilot phase of the Family Card programme with the ultimate aim of gradually bringing two crore families under monthly cash support.

“Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will formally inaugurate the four-month pilot project in 14 upazilas on March 10, 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,” he said.

During the pilot project of the programme, 6,500 families will be covered under the scheme expanding 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,” he added.