Zahid Hossain meets a UNOPS delegation to enhance bilateral cooperation

Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain and State Minister Farzana Sharmin today met a four-member delegation from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) at the ministry office in the capital.

The delegation was led by UNOPS Bangladesh Country Manager Sudhir Muralidharan. Social Welfare Ministry Secretary Dr Mohammad Abu Yusuf was also present at the meeting, according to an official release.

During the discussion, Zahid Hossain said the government will introduce a universal “Family Card” system through the Ministry of Social Welfare, in line with its election pledges. Under the scheme, each family’s female head will be issued the card.

He briefed the delegation on the programme’s progress, noting that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman formally launched the initiative in Dhaka on March 10.

So far, 37,567 female heads of households have received “Family Cards,” each entitling them to a monthly allowance of Tk 2,500.

The minister said the government aims to bring 40 million families under the scheme within the next four years, describing the card as a form of dignified civic recognition for women as heads of households.

He also underscored the importance of caregiver training programmes to create employment opportunities for disadvantaged boys and girls.

On behalf of UNOPS, Country Manager Sudhir Muralidharan welcomed the initiative, calling it a positive step toward strengthening social protection.

He assured UNOPS’ support in implementing the programme and expressed hope of working with the ministries of social welfare and women and children affairs to advance social security and good governance.