Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday instructed the authorities concerned  to ensure the Family Card programme is implemented through a transparent process, with a reliable database to accurately identify genuine beneficiaries.

He issued the directives during a meeting on the gradual expansion and implementation strategy of the nationwide Family Card programme at the Cabinet Division in the Bangladesh Secretariat, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister's Press Wing.

The meeting reviewed the progress of the Family Card programme, one of the key pledges in the BNP's election manifesto, and discussed a roadmap for its gradual expansion across the country.

The Prime Minister emphasised the need for a practical implementation plan, effective coordination among all relevant ministries and agencies and the best possible use of modern technology to ensure the programme is rolled out smoothly nationwide.

He also stressed the importance of establishing a credible and acceptable database so that the benefits of the Family Card programme reach the actual recipients effectively, accurately and transparently.

Tarique Rahman asked the authorities to maintain the highest standards of transparency and accountability at every stage of data collection, verification and beneficiary selection.

Social Welfare Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin, Prime Minister's Adviser Mahdi Amin, Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Chief SDG Coordinator at the Prime Minister's Office Prof Dr SM Abdul Awal, BNP National Executive Committee’s Special Secretary Belayet Hossain Mridha and senior officials from the relevant ministries and agencies attended the meeting.