Bangladesh has launched nationwide household data collection for its Family Card programme, with trained and officially identified government workers set to visit homes to assess families’ economic and social conditions and determine eligibility for assistance.

The Ministry of Social Welfare has urged citizens to provide accurate information, warning that no payment is required to participate in the process. Anyone demanding money in exchange for including a family on the beneficiary list should be reported to the national helpline at 1098.

The data collection drive began on Monday, October 12, across the country. The government has also launched an awareness campaign through mosques, temples, pagodas and churches to inform people about the programme and explain how the process will work.

According to the ministry, trained workers carrying official identification will collect household information through door-to-door visits. The information will be used to assess families’ socioeconomic circumstances and identify those most in need of government support.

Religious institutions have been asked to help spread the message. Announcements at mosques are intended to encourage families to provide accurate details and remain alert to requests for money. Similar messages at temples, churches and Buddhist monasteries will also urge communities to ensure that elderly people and persons with disabilities are not overlooked during the survey.

The government has prepared a dedicated guideline, titled Family Card Thana Database Data Collection Guideline 2026, to support the nationwide exercise. The Ministry of Social Welfare sent a letter on October 8 requesting coordination with the Ministry of Religious Affairs to facilitate public awareness through religious institutions.

Officials have emphasised that the survey is intended to help determine which households require assistance most urgently. Residents are therefore encouraged to share their actual financial and social circumstances rather than provide misleading information.

The authorities have reiterated that the process is free and that no individual should pay anyone to secure a place on the Family Card beneficiary list.