Family Card Pilot Program Launched for 1,097 Families in Lama, Bandarban

Minister of Hill Affairs Dipen Dewan inaugurated the first phase of the Family Card pilot project in Lama Upazila on Tuesday morning (March 10, 2026).

The program aims to provide direct assistance to marginalized and extremely poor families, ensuring food security and improving living standards, particularly for residents of the Hill Region. Card-holding families will receive 2,500 taka or equivalent daily necessities monthly.

In the first phase, 1,097 families from Ward No. 2 of Phansiakhali Union received family cards. Priority is given to landless families, disabled persons, the third gender, Veda community, small ethnic groups, and small landowners.

Lama Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Moin Uddin said that initially, 1,274 families were surveyed, but 138 were excluded for lacking National Identity Cards (NID), and 61 cases remain pending verification. The final 1,097 families were approved by the Central Family Card Selection Committee.

Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ara Rini said the program not only ensures food security but also promotes the economic empowerment of women.

Sachingpru Jerry, Member of Parliament for Bandarban-300 constituency, attended as the special guest. Local public representatives, administrative officials, and beneficiary families were also present.