The Family Card is a database-driven digital identification and social protection instrument designed to deliver regular financial assistance directly to vulnerable households. More than just a cash transfer mechanism, it is envisioned as a universal social safety platform that integrates multiple welfare services under a single identity instrument.
Core Philosophy “Family is the core unit of development, not the individual.” The programme shifts the design logic of social protection from targeting individuals to supporting the household as a whole; recognizing that poverty, food insecurity, health shocks, and economic vulnerability are experienced collectively.
Programme at a Glance
Implementing Ministry
Ministry of Social Welfare, Government of Bangladesh
Programme Type
Digital cash transfer + subsidised commodities access
Cash Benefit
BDT 2,000 – 2,500 per family per month
Target Coverage
Up to 2 crore (20 million) families nationally
Pilot Launch
March 10; covering 6,500 families in 14 upazilas
Transfer Mechanism
Mobile Financial Services (bKash, Nagad, Rocket) or bank account
Card Issuance
One card per household; issued in the female head’s name
Selection Method
Proxy Means Test (PMT) scoring + door-to-door data collection
Long-Term Vision
Universal Social ID Card for every citizen by 2030
Fiscal Target
Social protection budget raised to 3% of GDP by 2028
