Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has said that Family Cards must be distributed transparently and without nepotism to ensure that genuine beneficiaries receive government assistance.

He stated that in each union, a team will be formed under the leadership of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), comprising the Union Chairman and two social workers, to select beneficiaries. This team will verify the eligibility of beneficiaries and ensure that Family Cards are distributed in a completely transparent manner, free from political influence.

The Minister made these remarks while addressing a views-exchange meeting with district-level officials as the chief guest at 11:00 am on Friday at the conference room of the Barishal Circuit House.

Emphasizing the need to ensure the accuracy of the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, the Minister said that the level of civilizational and institutional strength of a state depends largely on the accuracy of its statistics. He stressed that precise data collection, proper data preservation, and timely data dissemination are crucial to maintaining statistical accuracy. He further added that a modern decision-making process heavily relies on a robust database system, and without an accurate database system, it is not possible to make sound decisions.

Highlighting the importance of modernizing healthcare services in Barishal, the Minister noted that despite being considered the capital of southern Bangladesh, Barishal still lacks advanced medical facilities. Transporting critically ill patients to Dhaka for advanced treatment is both difficult and costly for ordinary citizens. To address this crisis, he said that it is now a pressing demand of the time to transform Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital into a modern, well-equipped facility. He also emphasized the urgent need to establish a specialized trauma center in Barishal.

The meeting was chaired by District Commissioner Md Khairul Alam Sumon. Superintendent of Police Farzana Islam spoke as a special guest. Officials from various government departments and members of the media were also present at the event.