PM Tarique Rahman Announces 'LPG Card'

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced a new initiative to provide "LPG Cards" to women across the country, aimed at easing the daily burden of household cooking. The Prime Minister made this announcement while addressing a public rally following the inauguration of the re-excavation project of the historic Ulshi Canal in Sharsha upazila, Jessore, on Monday (April 27).

Highlighting his government's commitment to improving the quality of life for women, the Prime Minister stated, "Mothers and sisters face significant hardships regarding cooking, whether in rural or urban areas. Similar to our 'Family Card' initiative, we are introducing 'LPG Cards' to ensure they no longer have to struggle with cooking fuel."

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of women's empowerment, noting that women make up half of the country's population. He reiterated his government's dedication to continuing the legacy of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who had previously made education free for girls up to the intermediate level.

"We have decided to extend free education for girls up to the degree level," he announced. "Furthermore, we will provide scholarships to high-achieving female students to support their pursuit of higher education. We are also committed to distributing Family Cards to all female heads of households across the country within the next five years, providing BDT 2,500 monthly to support their families."

The inauguration of the Ulshi Canal re-excavation project marks a significant step in the government's pledge to revive the country's rivers and canals to protect the environment and strengthen climate resilience.

Recalling the history of the canal, the Prime Minister noted that his father, the late President Ziaur Rahman, had initiated the canal-digging movement at this very location five decades ago. "We have kept our promise. Just as we committed to digging canals before the election, we are doing so now. We aim to excavate approximately 20,000 kilometers of canals across the country over the next five years to benefit farmers, rural residents, and the youth," he said.

Regarding the current political climate, the Prime Minister issued a stern warning to those attempting to create confusion surrounding the national referendum. He asserted that the government will strictly uphold the "July Charter" and will not tolerate those who wish to gamble with the fate of the people of Bangladesh.

The event was attended by Minister for Water Resources Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anie, State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, State Minister for Power and Energy Anindya Islam Amit, and State Minister for Local Government Mir Shah-e-Alam, alongside various officials from the Ministry of Water Resources and the Bangladesh Water Development Board.