Dhaka, June 11 -- The government has proposed allocating Tk 145 billion for the much-discussed "Family Card" programme in the 2026-27 national budget as 4.1 million women will be brought under the scheme in the new fiscal year.

In his budget speech at parliament on Thursday, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the women holding the card will receive a monthly allowance of Tk 2,500.

About 1.9 million mothers and children are also being brought under the allowance coverage, he added.

Describing the scheme as a "signature" programme of the BNP government which was rolled out on a pilot basis in March, the minister said the scheme will be expanded nationwide in phases by 2030.

Allowances for the elderly, widows, and husband...