Bangla Press Desk: The collection of family-based data under the nationwide 'Family Card' program begins today, Monday. To promote this initiative, the government has taken steps to disseminate information to the general public through mosques, temples, pagodas, and churches across the country.
To this end, the Ministry of Social Welfare has requested the Ministry of Religious Affairs to coordinate with the Islamic Foundation and the religious welfare trusts for Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians to make the necessary arrangements.
A letter regarding this matter was issued by the Ministry of Social Welfare's Family Card program on October 8.
The letter states that the collection of data on households and their respective administrative areas (thanas) will commence simultaneously across the country starting October 12. Guidelines titled 'Family Card Thana Database Data Collection Guidelines, 2026' have been formulated for this purpose.
The letter emphasizes the importance of raising public awareness about the Family Card program through religious institutions. Instructions have been issued to coordinate with the Islamic Foundation for mosques, and with the respective religious welfare trusts for temples, pagodas, and churches, to ensure the relevant messages are conveyed.
The promotional message explains that trained government personnel, carrying official identification cards, will visit homes to collect data on family circumstances. Based on this information, it will be determined which families are most in need of assistance.
Consequently, the public is urged to provide accurate information that reflects their families' true socio-economic status.
For mosques, a three-minute announcement to be made before Friday (Jumu'ah) prayers includes a warning to remain cautious regarding financial transactions, alongside the request to provide accurate family information.
It clarifies that no one should trust individuals who demand money in exchange for a promise to include a name in the Family Card list; no payment is required for providing the information.
Meanwhile, announcements in temples, churches, and monasteries—lasting two minutes—urge people to provide accurate information and to look out for elderly or disabled neighbors, ensuring no one is left out during the data collection process.
The promotional messages also advise people to report any demands for money by calling the number 1098. Copies of the Ministry of Social Welfare's letter have been sent to the Director General of the Islamic Foundation, the Secretary of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust, and relevant officials for their information and necessary action.
BP/TD
