Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 26th January 2026, 1:50 AM
The interim government has unveiled a comprehensive expansion of the national social safety net, providing much-needed financial relief to veterans and vulnerable citizens. During the 32nd meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Social Security Programmes, held on Sunday, 25 January 2026, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed presided over a series of landmark decisions aimed at alleviating inflationary pressures on the country’s most marginalised groups.
In a move to honour the nation’s veterans, the committee approved a 5,000 BDT increase in the monthly allowance for titled freedom fighters and the families of martyred freedom fighters. Previously set at 20,000 BDT, this monthly stipend will now stand at 25,000 BDT. Furthermore, the committee recommended that the families of martyrs and those injured during the July 2025 Mass Uprising be formally integrated into the social security framework, ensuring they receive monthly honorary allowances.
| Beneficiary Category | Previous Monthly Rate (BDT) | New Monthly Rate (BDT) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martyred/Titled Freedom Fighters | 20,000 | 25,000 | 5,000 |
| Elderly Persons (General) | 650 | 700 | 50 |
| Elderly Persons (Over 90) | Varies | 1,000 | New Tier |
| Widows & Deserted Women | 650 | 700 | 50 |
| Persons with Disabilities | 850 | 900 / 1,000* | 50 – 150 |
| Marginalised Communities | 650 | 700 | 50 |
*Rates vary based on the severity of disability or age.
The Ministry of Social Welfare will see a significant increase in beneficiary numbers. The Old Age Allowance programme will now cover 6.2 million people, an increase of 100,000. Under the new structure, approximately 5.99 million elderly citizens will receive 700 BDT per month, while a special tier for those aged over 90 will provide 1,000 BDT monthly.
Support for persons with disabilities has also been bolstered. The number of beneficiaries has risen to 3.6 million, with monthly stipends increased to 900 BDT for the majority and 1,000 BDT for high-priority cases. Additionally, education stipends for students with disabilities have been raised by 50 BDT across all levels:
Primary: 950 BDT
Secondary: 1,000 BDT
Higher Secondary: 1,100 BDT
Higher Education: 1,350 BDT
One of the most significant changes involves financial aid for patients suffering from critical illnesses, including cancer, kidney disease, and thalassaemia. The one-time medical grant has been doubled, rising from 50,000 BDT to 100,000 BDT, with the number of recipients increased to 65,000.
In terms of food security, the “Food-Friendly Programme” managed by the Ministry of Food will now support 6 million families, up from 5.5 million. These households will continue to receive 30kg of rice per month at the subsidised rate of 15 BDT per kg for six months of the year.
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