Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday said the government is prioritising strengthened legal and scientific capacity to protect women and children, alongside expanding social protection, rehabilitation, and economic empowerment programmes in the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026–27.
Presenting the budget in the Jatiya Sangsad, the Finance Minister said initiatives under the Multisectoral Programme on violence against women have led to the establishment of a National Forensic DNA Profiling Laboratory and seven divisional DNA screening laboratories, aimed at improving investigation and justice delivery in cases of abuse.
He said a nationwide database of women entrepreneurs is being developed to formally integrate them into the state framework, ensuring improved access to training, credit facilities, and market linkages.
“Special adaptation projects are also underway to strengthen the resilience of women in coastal regions facing climate change impacts.”
Highlighting women’s economic empowerment, he said the second phase of the Income-Generating Activities (IGA) Training Project for Women is being implemented at the upazila level, while under the Vulnerable Women Benefit (VWB) programme, 1.04 million women across 4,586 unions in 493 upazilas are receiving monthly food assistance of 30 kilograms of rice, including fortified rice.
On child protection, he said comprehensive parenting and social awareness programmes are being implemented to ensure the development and safety of children from conception to eight years of age.
“A Quick Response Team has also been formed to address violence against women and children more rapidly and effectively.”
The Finance Minister added that the government has taken steps to establish 20 modern daycare centres in the first phase, with 60 more planned in the next phase, to support working mothers.
Special rehabilitation initiatives for returnee female migrant workers, street children, and children at risk are also being implemented, including reintegration support and financial assistance to affected families.
He further said 33 Integrated Child Rehabilitation Centres are operating in 17 districts, providing shelter and livelihood support for 3,300 boys and 3,300 girls, alongside services such as legal aid and social protection for women and children.
Special programmes are also being implemented for children with disabilities, including those with speech, hearing, visual impairments, and autism.
He proposed an allocation of Tk 5,196 crore for the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs in the fiscal year 2026–27 to further strengthen development and protection initiatives for women and children.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
