Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, MP speaking as the chief guest at an exchange of views meeting with district-level officials at Barishal Circuit House this morning. Photo: BSS

BARISHAL, Feb 27, 2026 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, MP today said family cards must be distributed with transparency by avoiding nepotism so the real beneficiaries can receive government assistance.

He said a team will be formed in each union under the leadership of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), comprising the chairman and two social workers, for selecting beneficiaries. 

Through this team, the eligibility of beneficiaries must be verified and family cards distributed in a completely non-partisan manner ensuring transparency, he added.

The minister said this while speaking as the chief guest at an exchange of views meeting with district-level officials at the conference room of Barishal Circuit House this morning, according to a press release.

Emphasizing the need to ensure accuracy in the work of the Bureau of Statistics, he said the level of civilization and institutional character a state has achieved depends on accurate statistics. 

Maintaining accuracy in statistics requires precise data collection, proper data preservation and prompt dissemination of information, he observed. 

The minister added that the most important factor in modern decision-making is a database system, and without a proper database system, correct decisions cannot be made.

Stressing the need to modernize healthcare services in Barishal, the information minister said that despite being the capital of southern Bangladesh, the region still lacks advanced medical facilities. 

It is difficult and costly for ordinary people to take critically ill patients to Dhaka for better treatment, he said, saying that to address this crisis, transforming Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital into a modern facility with advanced amenities is now a demand of the time. 

He also said that establishing a specialized trauma centre in Barishal has become essential.

At the meeting, Superintendent of Police Farzana Islam spoke as a special guest, while Deputy Commissioner Md. Khairul Alam Sumon presided over the function. 

Officials of different government departments and media personnel were present.