Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen met with Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain at his office. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Sept 8, 2026 (BSS) – Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen today paid a courtesy call on Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain at his office at Bangladesh Secretariat.

During the meeting, they discussed issues of mutual interest, including the Family Card programme, women’s education, gender equality, women’s participation in politics and the workplace, their role in decision-making, child rights protection, elimination of child labour, specialised schools for children with special needs and climate change, according to a press release.

Describing Norway as a reliable and friendly development partner of Bangladesh, the minister expressed gratitude for its development assistance and support since Independence.

He said the government is working to build an inclusive and humane Bangladesh by ensuring the participation of people from all sections of society, including women and children.

The minister said training, employment opportunities and seed money are being provided to grassroots women at the upazila level, while daycare centres are being expanded nationwide to support working mothers.

Responding to the ambassador’s interest in the Family Card programme, Dr Zahid said the cards are being issued in women’s names in line with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s election pledge that “one card will be provided for each five-member family”.

He described the programme as an effective and sustainable social investment, enabling women to spend the assistance on nutritious food, essential goods, children’s education and healthcare, as well as invest in small businesses.

The minister sought Norway’s technical assistance in developing skilled caregivers for overseas employment, exporting rural women’s traditional handicrafts to Europe and modernising DNA laboratories.

The ambassador praised Bangladesh’s progress in women’s education and economic empowerment and highlighted the contribution of Bangladeshi women to the ready-made garment (RMG) sector.

He also called for stronger initiatives to protect women and children in climate-vulnerable areas of southern Bangladesh.

Ministry Secretary Dr Rowshan Ara Begum was also present.