Jamaat chief rejects BNP’s Family Card proposal

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has dismissed the BNP’s proposal to introduce Family Cards for underprivileged households, questioning its effectiveness and fairness.

Speaking at an election rally in Mirpur-10 on Thursday, Shafiqur said Jamaat is not making any promise to distribute welfare cards. “Can Tk 2,000 really solve a family’s problems?” he asked.

He also alleged that if such cards were introduced, the funds would not reach beneficiaries equally. Referring to comments by NCP Convenor Nahid Islam, Shafiqur claimed the money would be divided unfairly before reaching the public.

His remarks were a direct response to BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s pledge to provide Family Cards to poor families in Dhaka.

Campaigning as Jamaat’s candidate for Dhaka-15 (Mirpur–Kafrul), Shafiqur highlighted long-standing civic problems in the area. He said that despite having a population of more than one million, the constituency lacks a government hospital, quality healthcare facilities, and higher education institutions.

He also pointed to poor drainage and frequent gas shortages as daily hardships faced by residents.

Shafiqur said Jamaat would focus on addressing these basic service gaps and protecting residents’ rights if elected.