Diplomatic Desk:
Minister for Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Professor Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain said that the current government is giving special priority to the empowerment of women and children, inclusion of persons with disabilities and development of the backward communities of the society.
The minister said this during a meeting with Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks at his office in the ministry on Monday (May 4, 2026).
During the meeting, both sides discussed in detail the strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and Sweden in the sectors of social welfare, women and child development, gender equality, social security and humanitarian assistance. The minister said that the experience and technical assistance of developed countries like Sweden are very important in our journey. We are interested in implementing joint projects with Sweden to make women economically self-reliant, protect children’s rights, and expand the social safety net for the elderly and disabled.
During the discussion, both sides exchanged views on various projects related to the Rohingya refugee crisis, women entrepreneurship development, child rights and education, inclusive programs for people with disabilities, and sustainable social development.
The minister said that the current government is working tirelessly to implement the election promises made to the people of Bangladesh. He said that Universal Family Cards will be distributed. The government has plans to bring about 4 crore marginalized and low-income families of the country under this program in phases in the coming days.
He said that on March 10, in the first phase, 37,814 female heads of families were provided with family cards in Dhaka and in the second phase, 911 in Bogra district. According to the government’s announcement, the beneficiary families will receive a monthly allowance of Tk 2,500 under the family card program. The money of this allowance can be received at home through mobile wallet or bank account according to the choice of the beneficiary.
The minister said that the current government is implementing a food program to meet the nutritional needs of primary school students, emphasizing children. The government has declared zero tolerance for the prevention of violence against women and children. Emphasis has been placed on expanding the establishment of day-care centers at district and upazila levels across the country and on co-educational programs for the development of children through Shishu Academies.
He also said that training is being provided in language learning, caregiver and care work from different countries to make young boys and girls self-reliant.
Ambassador Nicolas Weeks praised the social welfare initiatives of the Bangladesh government and said that Sweden wants to deepen its long-standing friendly relations with Bangladesh. He mentioned Sweden’s potential cooperation in the sectors of women and child protection, prevention of gender-based violence, child nutrition and education, and humanitarian assistance for populations at risk due to climate change.
He said that Sweden will continue to provide technical assistance, training and financial support to achieve Bangladesh’s social development goals.
