A three-member World Bank delegation led by divisional director for Bangladesh and Bhutan Jean Pesme met with the social welfare and women and children affairs minister Professor AZM Zahid Hossain and state minister for women and children affairs Farzana Sharmin in Dhaka on Sunday.

During the meeting, Zahid Hossain provided an update on the implementation of the Family Card programme, which was a key government election pledge, said a press release.

He noted that 37,567 women, as heads of households, had received Family Cards. ‘They are currently receiving monthly financial assistance of Tk 2,500.’

He added that a universal family card will be introduced within the next four years, which he described as a dignified form of citizen recognition for female heads of households.

Jean Pesme congratulated Zahid Hossain and Farzana Sharmin, terming the initiative to issue family cards to female heads of households a positive step towards strengthening social security.

He affirmed the World Bank’s support for the programme and expressed hope for joint collaboration with the ministry to enhance social security and governance.