BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday said his party would introduce a Family Card scheme for four crore (40 million) families across Bangladesh if it comes to power, with the card to be issued in the name of the female head of each family. Alongside this, a separate Farmer Card would also be introduced.

He made the remarks while addressing a programme titled “The Plan: Youth Policy Talk with Tarique Rahman” at a five-star hotel in Sylhet on Thursday morning.

Responding to various questions from young participants, Tarique Rahman said genuine elections through real voting are essential to elect accountable public representatives. “Only through a democratic system can citizens ensure accountability and sustainable urban development, including maintaining cleanliness in cities,” he said.

Outlining BNP’s future plans, he said the party would modernise technical and vocational education to enhance the multi-dimensional skills of those seeking employment abroad. He also spoke of plans to expand healthcare services to people’s doorsteps through public-private partnership initiatives.

Tarique Rahman said these policy ideas stemmed from his extensive travels across the country and reflections on Bangladesh over the past 17 years.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Tarique Rahman’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, and senior BNP leaders from Sylhet were also present at the event.