Govt firmly committed to implementing its electoral pledges: Commerce Minister

Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, MP, today (10 March) said the government is firmly committed to implementing its electoral pledges and is working relentlessly to ensure the welfare and improving the living standards of people.

The Minister made the remarks while inaugurating the Family Card distribution programme among beneficiaries at the Bir Muktijoddha M A Rauf Junior School premises in Ward No 6 of Kulanj Union under Dirai upazila of Sunamganj District today.

He said the government has undertaken various initiatives aimed at ensuring the welfare of the people and raising their quality of life, said a Commerce Ministry press release.

Muktadir said the Family Card programme has been launched as part of the electoral commitments of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. 

"The programme's rollout in remote parts of the country within just 21 days of forming the government demonstrates the Prime Minister's strong determination to implement the promises made to the people," he added.

Under the programme, Family Cards will be issued in the name of housewives and financial assistance will be directly transferred to them. Beneficiaries will be able to receive the funds through mobile financial services such as bKash or through bank accounts.

He said providing financial assistance directly to women will strengthen family base and enhance women's economic empowerment.

"Women are usually more aware of the household's essential expenditures. Delivering financial assistance directly to them will positively contribute to family management and also create opportunities for savings," the minister added.

Muktadir further said the government's development plans have been formulated keeping in view the country's overall progress, and those plans will be implemented during the current tenure to improve the living standards of ordinary people.

The minister also said the government has taken initiatives to excavate canals across the country to boost agricultural production. Agricultural output in the Sylhet Division is comparatively lower due to limited irrigation facilities and drainage problems, he noted.

Addressing these challenges through effective measures will make it possible to increase crop production from the region's agricultural lands, he added.

Muktadir also expressed hope that such initiatives would create additional income opportunities for rural farming families and strengthen the rural economy.

Deputy Commissioner of Sunamganj District Dr Mohammad Ilias Mia presided over the function. Local Members of Parliament Nasir Chowdhury, Kalim Uddin Ahmed, Kaiser Ahmed and Kamrul Islam spoke as special guests.

Earlier, the commerce minister handed over Family Cards to the beneficiaries. A total of 697 people from Ward No. 6 of Kulanj Union were initially listed under the programme. 

Of them, financial assistance amounting to Tk 2,500 each will be deposited in the accounts of 517 beneficiaries today, according to the local office of the Department of Social Services.