2.55 crore people to get Tk56,230cr under expanded social security budget
Under 48 programmes, Tk56,230 crore will be distributed among 2.55 crore beneficiaries, including 41 lakh recipients of the government’s Family Card programme.
The government has proposed distributing Tk56,230 crore in cash assistance among 2.55 crore people in FY2026-27 as part of efforts to expand and strengthen the country's social security programmes through a more inclusive, lifecycle-based approach.
The proposed budget for FY2026-27 allocates Tk1,44,338 crore to the social security sector, marking a 14% increase from the current fiscal year. More than 71% of the allocation is set to be distributed through cash transfers.
Under 48 programmes, Tk56,230 crore will be distributed among 2.55 crore beneficiaries, including 41 lakh recipients of the government's Family Card programme.
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Centre for Policy Dialogue Executive Director Fahmida Khatun said the social security sector has attracted significant attention this year because of the Family Card programme and its increased allocation.
However, she stressed the need to ensure value for money and improve beneficiary targeting.
"There have been allegations of irregularities and corruption in selecting social security beneficiaries. Moving away from that, proper targeting must be done. Since Tk2,500 per month will be given through the Family Card, it is urgent to merge the smaller allowance programmes – including old-age, widow, and disability allowance – with Family Card," she told TBS.
Furthermore, she stressed the establishment of a digital database of beneficiaries.
The government is seeking to move away from a relief and food aid-based structure by expanding cash assistance schemes, including the Family Card and Farmers Card programmes.
A total of Tk17,000 crore has been proposed for the Family Card, Farmers Card and honorarium programmes for religious personalities as part of implementing the BNP government's election commitments.
"It is urgent to merge the smaller allowance programmes – including old-age, widow, and disability allowance – with Family Card."
The budget also proposes increases in the amount and coverage of old-age, widow and disability allowances, alongside higher allowances for freedom fighters.
According to the budget proposal, social security programmes will be reorganised under a lifecycle-based framework to provide support according to the needs and risks faced during different stages of life, including childhood, maternity, working age and old age.
The government believes this approach will improve coordination, efficiency and the effective use of resources.
The largest allocation, Tk55,362 crore under 10 programmes, has been earmarked for families facing crises and vulnerabilities. Another Tk46,548 crore has been proposed for 25 programmes targeting poor households.
Other allocations include Tk5,152 crore for pregnancy and early childhood programmes, Tk11,698 crore for school-age children, Tk9,751 crore for working-age people, and Tk4,951 crore for elderly citizens.
The social insurance sector is expected to receive Tk35,389 crore, while Tk34,972 crore has been proposed for subsidies.
Finance Ministry officials said the new structure would make social security programmes more targeted and effective, helping ensure support reaches people according to their actual needs while contributing to long-term poverty reduction and human resource development.
