Desk Report:
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said that the government is implementing multifaceted initiatives to ensure development in every sector, from social security to economy, administration, education, health, security and state values.
At a press briefing organized at the meeting room of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at the Secretariat on Wednesday (March 25, 2026), he highlighted the progress of the government’s ongoing various development programs. State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury, Advisor to the Ministry Zahed Ur Rahman and Secretary Mahbuba Farzana were present at the time.
The Information Minister said that according to the latest census, there are about 41 million families in the country. The government has planned to provide ‘family cards’ to the female heads of these families. Already, more than 37,000 families have been given these cards under the pilot project. These families will receive a cash assistance of Tk 2,500 per month and all families will be brought under this program in phases.
Highlighting the steps taken for the welfare of religious workers, he said that honorarium has been introduced for imams, muezzins, priests, principals of Buddhist monasteries and church priests. Currently, thousands of religious workers have come under this facility and all religious institutions of the country will be included in this program in the next four fiscal years.
He said that on the occasion of Eid, saris, three-pieces, lungis and cash have been distributed among the poor. In addition, initiatives have been taken to institutionalize the zakat system.
The minister said that initiatives have been taken to introduce ‘Farmer Card’ for the development of the agricultural sector. This card will be distributed among 21,014 farmers in 11 upazilas of 8 divisions on an experimental basis from the next Pahela Baishakh. Besides, work has already started in 54 districts as part of the plan to dig 20,000 kilometers of canals across the country.
Regarding the government’s frugality, he said that members of parliament have decided not to take tax-free car and plot facilities. At the same time, VIP protocols have been reduced and savings are being ensured in government expenditure.
Regarding the energy situation, he said that despite global pressure, the government has not yet decided to increase fuel prices and urged the people to refrain from rumors and unnecessary hoarding.
To encourage foreign investment, he said that the obligation of prior approval for the repatriation of investments up to Tk 100 crore has been lifted.
To protect the interests of workers, the government has allocated about Tk 2,500 crore to ensure the payment of arrears of salaries and bonuses before Eid, as a result of which there was no unrest in the industrial areas.
Mentioning the progress in the health sector, the Information Minister said that initiatives have been taken to launch e-‘health cards’ and recruit one lakh new health workers, 80 percent of whom will be women. In addition, advance preparations are being made to prevent dengue.
Special measures have been taken to suppress extortion and ensure the safety of women to improve the law and order situation. He also said that initiatives have been taken to introduce ‘Pink Bus’ for the convenience of women passengers.
In addition, to develop sports as a profession, there are plans to make sports education mandatory from the primary level and to appoint sports teachers in every upazila.
The Information Minister also said that initiatives have been taken to waive loans of small and marginal farmers, enact a law on the Expatriate Welfare Foundation and introduce free WiFi at airports.
The conditions for providing loans of up to 1 million taka through the Expatriate Welfare Bank for those interested in going to Japan as language students have been relaxed. At the same time, measures are being taken to provide loan facilities to ensure bank solvency of students for higher education.
Finally, the Information Minister expressed optimism that it will be possible to ensure the overall development of the country with the government’s integrated planning and the active cooperation of the people.
