KHULNA, March 10, 2026 (BSS) – The Whip of the National Parliament, Rakibul Islam Bakul, today said the family card is a successful implementation of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s commitment to empower women, achieved within just 23 days of the government’s formation. He added that after the national budget in June, the programme would be expanded nationwide to bring all eligible citizens under the card system. The Whip made the remarks while inaugurating the distribution of “Family Cards” among beneficiaries at the premises of Khalishpur Haji Shariat Ullah Bidyapith as the chief guest. He expressed hope that, by continuing this journey of public welfare and development, Khulna would soon be transformed into a modern industrial city through the revival of mills, factories, and other defunct industries. He also said that no injustice, drugs, or terrorism would be tolerated, emphasizing that the dream of a developed Khulna would be realised with the support of people regardless of political affiliation. Bakul further stated that the government is prioritising public interest over personal gain and that a new path of progress would be paved through the efforts of honest and committed people. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the nationwide Family Card distribution programme from the T&T Playground in Banani, Dhaka. The ceremony was broadcast live online. On the day, the programme was launched on a pilot basis at 14 locations across the country. Under the initiative, beneficiaries were selected in a completely impartial manner using technology through PM scoring, which analysed 49 types of data of women belonging to three categories – extremely poor, poor, and lower-income groups. A total of 37,567 beneficiaries nationwide received Family Cards today. Speaking as a special guest, KCC Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju said that following the family card initiative, the government would also implement other programmes, including farmer cards, health cards, and assistance for imams and priests. Presiding over the programme, Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md. Mokhtar Ahmed, it was addressed by Khulna Range DIG Md. Rezaul Haque, Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Hasan, Deputy Commissioner ASM Jamshed Khondkar, KCC Chief Executive Officer Rajib Ahmed, and Additional Superintendent of Police Ali Hossain Zaman. Director of the Divisional Social Services Office Anindita Roy delivered the welcome address. Leaders of various political parties, government officials, beneficiaries, and a large number of local residents attended the event. The programme was jointly organised by Khulna City Corporation, the district administration, and the Department of Social Services.

RAJSHAHI, March 10, 2026 (BSS)- National Disaster Preparedness Day was observed with due importance in Paba Upazila of Rajshahi to increase public awareness, reduce risks, and highlight the importance of advance preparedness for disaster management.  Today, a colorful rally and discussion meeting were organized at the Paba Upazila Parishad premises under the initiative of the Paba Upazila Administration and the Office of the Upazila Project Implementation Officer.   Marking the day, an awareness rally was brought out from the Upazila Parishad premises. The rally paraded through important roads of the upazila and ended again at the Upazila Parishad premises. Officials and employees of various government offices, members of voluntary organizations, students, and local residents took part in the rally.  Participants carried banners and festoons containing messages to raise awareness about disaster preparedness.   After the rally, a discussion meeting was held at the Upazila Parishad auditorium.  Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mohammad Mehdi Hasan, Youth Development Officer Zahurul Islam, Agriculture Officer Abdul Mannan, Livestock Officer Dr Abdul Latif, Election Officer Matiur Rahman and in-charge of Fire Service and Civil Defence Station Niranjan Sarkar spoke on the occasion. Speakers emphasized the importance of quick decision-making during disasters, taking shelter in safe places, using emergency numbers, and conducting training and drills at the local level.  They also called for coordinated participation of government and non-government organizations, voluntary groups, and the general public in disaster management.   Officials and employees from different departments, students, and local residents participated in the event.  On the occasion of the day, various informative discussions and guidelines were presented to increase awareness about disasters.