PM highlights govt’s social safety measures in first Q&A session at Parliament
Published: 01 April 2026, 6:34:12
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday addressed the first question-and-answer session arranged for him at the National Parliament, highlighting the progress his government has made in implementing the ruling party’s election manifesto.
In the speech, he mentioned progress achieved in social safety initiatives like Family Card, Farmer Card, and also canal digging activities.
In reply to a question, he also said, citing a report backed by the interim government, that $234 billion were siphoned off abroad during 2009-2023, and pledged to repatriate the funds through legal channels for people’s welfare.
Earlier, the Parliament Secretariat issued a notification, stating that 30 minutes was reserved for him on Wednesday to answer questions from lawmakers – as part of efforts aimed at making parliamentary democracy stronger and more accountable.
During an adjourned session, a lawmaker had proposed to the Speaker to reserve a specific day every week for the PM to address questions from other members of parliament. The proposal was welcomed by lawmakers across partisan boundaries.
Family Card, Farmer Card
In the Q&A session, the PM informed that Family Cards will be provided to four crore households across the country over the next four years. Since the scheme was launched on 10 March, 37,814 women have received the cards for their families till date, and in the next three months, 30,000 more would get these, he added.
Furthermore, 22,000 farmers would get Farmer Cards in 10 districts in the first phase set to be launched on 14 April, marking the start of Bengali New Year. In the next couple of years, around 2.75 crore farmers would get the cards in phases, the PM noted.
Through the Family Cards, each household would get Tk2,500 per month in direct cash handouts, and under the Family Card initiative, each farmer would get the equal sum every year.
The government is also spearheading works to excavate and re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of canal over the next five years.
Moreover, this year, around two lakh students of government primary schools would get school uniforms for free.
