Family card is a source of strength, empowerment for women: Mirza Fakhrul

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (10 March) said the family card is a source of strength and empowerment for women in the country.

"With this card you (women) will be able to stand anywhere with confidence. Through this card, a form of empowerment will be created for you. Men will start giving you importance," he said.

Mirza Fakhrul, also the secretary general of the BNP, made the remark while speaking as the chief guest at a family card distribution programme held at the Combined UI Aleem Madrasa premises in Rahimanpur union under Thakurgaon Sadar upazila this morning.

He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on behalf of all for introducing this family card and choosing this area to launch the programme.

Recalling that the government had promised before the election to introduce family cards if voted to power, he said "We are going to fulfil that promise. We have kept our word."

Mirza Fakhrul said they have started work at the initial stage and eventually the card will reach every household across the country. "It is only a matter of time before everyone receives it," he said.

The BNP secretary general said the government has introduced the card within 22 days of assuming office. Besides, agricultural loans worth Tk10,000 have been waived and canal excavation work will begin on the 16th of this month.

He said water accumulated during the rainy season will be preserved and used during drought.

Every farmer will be provided with an agriculture card through which they will be able to purchase fertiliser, irrigation facilities and seeds at fair prices, he added.

Mirza Fakhrul said there was no proper rule of law for the past 15 years and people had been subjected to various forms of repression.

"Previously cards could not be obtained without paying money. This time no money was required," he said, adding that no one should be disappointed as everyone will receive the card.

"No power is greater than the power of the people," he added.

The minister also mentioned that he had declared before the election that it would be his last election. "You elected me. I will never be able to repay your debt. But I want to do some work for the people," he said.

The minister said admission to a medical college in the district will begin in 2027 while work on a university and an airport will also start.

Freelancing training will be provided to create employment opportunities for the unemployed and initiatives will be taken to protect the younger generation from the menace of drugs, he added.

Thakurgaon-2 constituency lawmaker Abdus Salam, Divisional Commissioner Shahidul Islam, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ishrat Farzana, Superintendent of Police Belal Hossain, District BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin, Sadar Upazila UNO Khairul Islam, local chairmen, leaders of BNP, members of the administration and beneficiaries also spoke on the occasion.