The social welfare ministry has sought Tk 14,179 crore in the next budget to implement five programmes outlined in the BNP’s electoral manifesto, including an expansion of the Family Card scheme and housing for floating and displaced people living in Dhaka’s slums.

The first and most pressing concern that arises from this programme is the fiscal sustainability that it requires.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s development strategy of putting people first is a breath of fresh air.

Finds new study, says impact will depend on accurate targeting and transparent beneficiary selection

Public debate has been energetic but confusing. People hear "universal" in one statement, then "starting with the ultra-poor" in another, then learn of a pilot in selected upazilas. These are not details for technicians to iron out later.

Government must not allow partisan influence, scammers to undermine its impact

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged people to remain patient amid current global challenges, saying the government may need more time to fulfil some of its promises but will not deviate from its commitments.

The Daily Star finds at least 52 AI-generated videos and 31 Facebook pages using deepfakes of Tarique Rahman and his family to lure users into sharing personal details

Says more time may be needed amid current global challenges

Government to provide Tk 2,500 monthly allowance to beneficiary families through mobile wallets or bank accounts

Some 37,567 women-headed households in 14 areas, including two in the capital, are going to get Tk 2,500 each against the family cards through their bank accounts or mobile wallets before Eid.

Hasen Banu is over 80. In the Korail slum, where her three sons and a daughter also live, she now spends a month at each child’s home.

Some Tk 39 crore has been set aside from the block allocation from this fiscal year’s revised budget, a finance ministry official told The Daily Star.

Social protection is not charity. It is an economic policy.

The government is set to launch the pilot phase of its family card programme on March 10 with the ultimate aim of gradually bringing two crore families under monthly cash support.

Pilot programme will provide Tk 2,500 monthly to women-led households in 14 upazilas

The social safety net or social protection programme enables the government to advance the well-being and security of citizens by protecting them from vulnerability and deprivation so they can pursue a better life.

Specific upazilas across 8 divisions yet to be finalised

Government plans phased rollout ahead of Eid, Zahir Uddin Swapan says