The government is preparing a major expansion of social-safety-net spending in the next fiscal year (FY 2026-27), with Tk 170 billion allocation to implement three flagship election pledges of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
The planned allocation under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) will finance the Family Card, Farmer Card and religious honorarium schemes, aiming to extend financial support to millions of low-income households, farmers and individuals serving at mosques and other places of worship.
Of the total allocation, Tk 145.0 billion has been earmarked for the Family Card scheme, Tk 14.0 billion for the Farmer Card programme, and Tk 11.0 billion for honorariums for individuals engaged in religious institutions, according to the final draft of the ADP for FY2026-27.
Following a special meeting held on Monday after an extended Planning Commission meeting on Saturday, officials at the PC said the proposed ADP worth Tk 3.0 trillion has been finalised, with Tk 1.9 trillion expected from domestic resources and Tk 1.1 trillion from external sources.
The ministries of social welfare, agriculture and religious affairs are set to receive around 5.67 per cent of the total proposed ADP allocation to implement the three flagship social safety net programmes.
"An additional allocation is being proposed under the 'Social Development Assistance' fund in the ADP, alongside continued funding for all social safety net projects and programmes, aligning with the government's election commitments," said SM Shakil Akhter, Planning Secretary and Member of the Programming Division at the Planning Commission.
He also said the allocation would help sustain the livelihoods of low-income groups facing prolonged pressures, including declining employment and income opportunities as well as rising commodity prices.
The proposal summary for the upcoming meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) states that the new ADP prioritises five pillars of the election manifesto - integrated state reforms, social development, economic restructuring, regional balance and socio-cultural cohesion.
It also highlights increased emphasis on education, health and agriculture, alongside quality and technology-driven education, skilled human resource development, modern healthcare, women's empowerment, expanded social protection and environment-friendly agricultural development. Before the national election held on February 12, the BNP pledged in its manifesto to initially provide 5.0 million family cards, each carrying monthly support worth Tk 2,500.
The proposed Tk 145 billion allocation would support Family Card services for more than 4.83 million households, directly benefiting around 20.59 million individuals, based on an average family size of 4.26 members.
The government had earlier launched pilot activities for the Family Card programme. Pilot initiatives were also undertaken for the Farmer Card scheme to transfer annual cash benefits worth Tk 2,500 to each farmer.
In line with the election manifesto, Tarique Rahman also inaugurated the transfer of honorariums for individuals serving at mosques and other places of worship.
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