PM Tarique Rahman Pledges ‘Family Cards’ for Banshkhali Salt Farmers, Outlines Economic Vision

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that the government will begin distributing "Family Cards" to 4.1 million households nationwide starting August 16. The welfare initiative will cover 10,000 to 12,000 families in Chattogram's Banshkhali upazila this fiscal year, specifically including local salt farmers.

The Prime Minister made the announcement on Sunday afternoon while distributing houses and relief to flood victims at Baharchhara Sea Beach in Banshkhali.

“Our goal is to empower women to take care of their families, build self-reliance, and educate their children,” Rahman said, adding that the government is also introducing an agricultural card system that will run for the next four years.

Addressing local agricultural concerns, he assured salt farmers that the government will soon fix salt prices to guarantee them a profitable livelihood.

Shifting to regional development, the Premier shared insights from his aerial inspection of Mirsarai and Matarbari. Emphasizing the blue economy's potential, he noted that a large industrial zone in Chattogram has been allocated for Chinese investments, which is expected to generate significant local employment through new factories.

Rahman also warned against misinformation regarding the energy sector. He confirmed that a comprehensive 10-year national energy and electricity plan will soon be presented in Parliament, urging critics to propose viable alternatives rather than spreading confusion.

During the event, the Prime Minister handed over keys to new homes to 100 landless families, distributed relief materials to 200 flood victims and provided cash assistance to 15 individuals with disabilities. Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed were also present.