TDS Desk:

The government has unveiled a plan to build 100,000 affordable flats for low-income families through public-private partnerships (PPP) in 58 locations across the country, including the Korail slum in Dhaka, Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher told Parliament on Sunday.

Responding to a question from Independent MP Rumeen Farhana (Brahmanbaria-2), the minister said the proposed housing sites have been identified under the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) 2022–2035 prepared by the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) to ensure affordable housing for lower-income groups.

Affordable housing projects across Bangladesh

Taher said the government has also launched a phased project to construct residential flats for limited-income families on 98 acres of land owned by the National Housing Authority at Dattapara in Tongi, Gazipur.

He added that another housing initiative, supported by development partners, aims to improve living conditions for low-income residents in 37 slums across Rajshahi, Dinajpur, Barishal, Khulna, Kushtia, Mymensingh and Narayanganj City Corporation, as well as several municipalities.

The minister said the Rajshahi Development Authority has initiated a project to build 16 flats in the Padma Residential Area for low-income families, while the Khulna Development Authority is planning a residential apartment project on around eight acres of land in Harintana Mouza.

He also informed the House that a proposal is under consideration to develop rental housing for low-income residents on about 83 kathas of land owned by the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) in the Saltgola area. The project is expected to be implemented either through self-financing or under a PPP model.

Govt to amend Parents Maintenance Act

Meanwhile, replying to a question from Jamaat MP Nazmun Nahar, Social Welfare Minister Abu Jafar Md Jahid Hossain said the government plans to amend the Parents Maintenance Act, 2013, following consultations with relevant stakeholders.

He said the proposed amendments would address provisions relating to imprisonment, fines and other penalties.

Social safety net verification underway

Responding to a question from MP Fazle Huda (Naogaon-3), the minister said a nationwide verification drive is underway to identify genuine beneficiaries of social safety net programmes and remove ineligible recipients.

A re-verification committee was formed on 19 April under the Cabinet Division to review beneficiary lists, following allegations of political influence and irregularities in previous years.

Higher allowances proposed in FY2026-27 budget

Replying to MP Zainal Abdin (Feni-2), Jahid Hossain said the proposed FY2026-27 budget includes an increase in the monthly old-age allowance from Tk650 to Tk700, while the number of beneficiaries will rise from 6.1 million to 6.2 million. The allocation has been proposed at Tk52.39 billion, up from Tk47.91 billion in the current fiscal year.

The government has also proposed increasing the monthly allowance for widows and destitute women from Tk650 to Tk700 for around 3 million beneficiaries, with a total allocation of Tk25.35 billion.

Similarly, the monthly disability allowance is set to rise from Tk900 to Tk1,000 for 3.8 million beneficiaries, with a proposed allocation of Tk45.87 billion.

The minister further informed Parliament that 69,387 women heads of households have so far received assistance under the Family Card programme through 56 pilot units in 55 upazilas across 44 districts. He said the beneficiary database is being updated regularly and more eligible families are expected to be included.