BSS) – Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid today said introduction of the ‘Farmer Card’ for landless, marginal and small farmers marks a historic milestone for the people of Tangail and the country as a whole.

“Under the programme, farmers will receive an annual assistance of Tk 2,500 along with other facilities,” he said after visiting the venue of Farmer Card launching event at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in Tangail around 11:00am today to inspect preparations for the formal launch of the programme.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku and State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque also visited the venue.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is expected to inaugurate the programme tomorrow at the stadium, coinciding with the celebration of Pohela Boishakh. A festive atmosphere is prevailing across the district centering the event.

Speaking to journalists, Aminur Rashid said nearly 70 percent of the country’s population is directly or indirectly engaged in agriculture, stressing that overall economic development depends on improving farmers’ livelihoods.

“The initiative of launching Farmer Card has been taken to ensure that farmers receive fair prices and rightful benefits at every stage from production to marketing,” he said.

The minister said that the launch on the first day of the Bengali New Year has added special significance to the occasion. “It is a double celebration – the beginning of a new year and the start of the country’s first Farmer Card programme, making it a historic day for Tangail and the nation,” he added.

The minister said the programme will initially begin as a pre-pilot project in 11 locations, including Tangail, before expanding nationwide in phases. Full implementation of the project may take around four years.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku said the people of Tangail are proud and excited as the programme is being launched in their district.

Referring to the legacy of Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, he said the veteran leader had led movements for farmers’ rights against the zamindari system, making the launch of such an initiative in Tangail particularly meaningful.

He expressed hope that people from all walks of life, irrespective of political or social affiliations, will participate in the programme, making it a memorable event with a large turnout.

BNP vice-chairman and former deputy minister Abdus Salam Pintu, Agriculture Ministry Secretary Rafiqul E Mohammed, Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque, District Zila Parishad Administrator Advocate SM Obaidul Haque Nasir, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Shamsul Alam Sarkar, and other officials were also present on the occasion.