DHAKA, July 18, (v7n) – The government is set to launch the 'Probashi Card' (Expatriate Card) on a pilot basis in the second week of next month, with state-owned Janata Bank issuing the Probashi Debit Card in the first phase.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister's Office today, said PM's Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin. "The Probashi Card will be introduced on a pilot basis in the second week of next month. In the first phase, Janata Bank will issue the Probashi Debit Card," he said.

The meeting was informed that the government aims to distribute 50,000 cards by December this year and 200,000 by June next year. All Probashi Card-related activities will be carried out through Probashi Kallyan Bank in the second phase.

The card is designed to provide special facilities for Bangladeshi expatriates, including financial incentives, international payment services, and dual-currency banking. Benefits include complimentary airport lounge access, expedited immigration through dedicated booths, meet-and-greet services, discounts on airline tickets and hotel bookings, and vehicle booking at fair prices. Signature Card holders will also receive airport pick-up and drop-off services.

Other facilities include dedicated service booths at government hospitals, discounts at private hospitals, free transportation of deceased cardholders' bodies, rehabilitation support for returnees, insurance coverage, priority in land registration, utility services, licensing, foreign investment, remittance reward points, credit scoring and loan facilities, direct money transfers, simplified transactions, and priority services for NID, passport, and consular services.

The Prime Minister directed authorities to ensure all Bangladeshis abroad are brought under the card programme and instructed the modernisation and updating of the National Skills Development Authority.

Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, State Minister Md Nurul Hoque, PM's advisers Mahdi Amin and Rehan Asif Asad, Secretary Md Mokhtar Ahmed, PM's Special Assistant Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan, and BMET Director General Jamil Ahmed, among others, attended.

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