Bangladesh, July 16 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman Wednesday announced a landmark initiative bringing all government welfare programmes onto a single platform through the introduction of 'Universal Card' for greater social and financial security for working people, marginal farmers and disadvantaged communities.

Advertisement Delivering his closing speech at the second session and first budget session of the Jatiya Sangsad, the prime minister said the government plans to gradually integrate all existing welfare cards into one universal identity card through which citizens will be able to access all state benefits.

"The state has a responsibility towards its citizens. If it fails to fulfill that responsibility, both the people and the...