Dhaka, Aug 6 (V7N) - Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning Prof Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir has said the government aims to build an integrated, modern, and accountable social protection system by implementing the "One Citizen, One Card" concept, describing the Family Card as the foundation of a universal social protection system rather than a mere welfare allowance programme.

He made the remarks while addressing a roundtable titled "How Can the Family Card Expand the Scope of Social Protection Programmes in Bangladesh?" organized by IGC and BIGD at a hotel in Dhaka.

Titumir said although the National Social Security Strategy's tenure has ended, new challenges relating to poverty, employment insecurity, and social protection have emerged, making it imperative to establish an integrated and effective system instead of fragmented programmes. He stressed that longstanding problems—including limited budgetary allocations, flaws in beneficiary selection, lack of coordination, and declining real value of assistance—must be addressed.

The adviser said the government is currently implementing the Family Card programme for 41 lakh families with an allocation of Taka 14,000 crore, viewing it as an investment in human capital rather than public expenditure. He said the key to implementing "One Citizen, One Card" is not merging databases but ensuring secure and accurate interoperability among institutions, while agencies maintain their own databases and exchange information as required.

He also stressed updating the poverty identification methodology with BBS support and ensuring regular local-level verification to improve beneficiary selection. The government plans to gradually bring support for persons with special needs, disaster-affected families, and employment-related benefits under the same social protection framework alongside family-based assistance.

Titumur called on research organisations, civil society, and policymakers to propose concrete plans for an efficient and integrated social protection system starting with the next national budget, emphasizing that reforming the system is not merely a technology-driven initiative but part of establishing a broader social contract.

BIGD Executive Director Imran Matin presented the keynote paper, with IGC Country Economist Aminul Aman moderating. CPD Executive Director Dr Fahmida Khatun and BIDS Research Director Atonu Rabbani also addressed the programme.

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