Tarique Rahman debuts podcast, unveils ‘Family Card’ monthly aid plan for families

NEWS DESK

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman made his podcast debut on Thursday night, unveiling what he described as a new social welfare plan—the “Family Card”—that would provide monthly assistance to families across Bangladesh, with benefits issued in women’s names.

The first episode aired at 7:00pm and was streamed on the BNP’s verified Facebook page, YouTube channel and other social media platforms.

Presenting the proposal as part of the party’s broader agenda ahead of the next national election, Tarique told viewers he wanted to share “a thought, an idea, and a plan” before the polls.

“If we receive your mandate and are able to form a government, we will have to work for the country and its people,” he said, adding that a BNP-led government would prioritise rolling out the Family Card.

Tarique said the card would be designed for mothers and homemakers and distributed on a family basis. Bangladesh has around four crore families, he said, about 70 percent of whom live in rural areas and the remaining 30 percent in urban centres.

According to him, the programme would start in villages and selected low-income city neighbourhoods, initially targeting poor, ultra-poor, lower-income and lower-middle-income families.

Eligible women would receive a card carrying their name, a unique number, a validity period and scannable features, he said. The distribution would be phased, with the goal of eventually covering all families.

He said beneficiaries would receive monthly support worth Tk 2,000 to Tk 2,500—either in cash or in essential food items sufficient for a five-member family.

The assistance, Tarique said, could cover a significant share of basic monthly food costs, easing pressure on household budgets and allowing families to save. He added that mothers could use the support to improve children’s nutrition and education and, where possible, make small investments to generate additional income.

Over time, he said, the programme would help strengthen families’ economic foundations.

Tarique described the Family Card as “universal” in principle, saying it would be meant for all mothers and wives regardless of profession or social status—from farmers’ and rickshaw-pullers’ wives to the spouses of teachers and senior government officials.

However, he said those who do not need the benefit would return it voluntarily, allowing the state to direct more resources to families in genuine need.

“If those who do not require it return the benefit, we may even be able to increase the amount for those who truly need support,” he said.

Calling it a concrete plan rather than a “story”, Tarique said a BNP government would gradually roll out the programme nationwide if elected.

The podcast ended with him saying details would be shared as implementation begins, before he signed off with a brief message to the audience.