# WFP Country Director Confers with Dr. Zahid on Social Safety Programmes

*The meeting focused on social safety programmes, food security, and technical cooperation.*

July 22, 2026 · Bangladesh

## At a glance

- WFP Country Director Coco H. Ushiyama met Dr. Zahid to discuss social safety programmes.
- The Family Card initiative, issuing cards in women's names, was praised by Ushiyama.
- WFP assured support for technical assistance and highlighted its global welfare activities.

World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director in Bangladesh Coco H. Ushiyama met Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Prof. Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain at his office at the Secretariat. They discussed social safety programmes, Family Card, food security, mid-day meals for primary school students, education, health, nutrition, climate change impacts, and technical cooperation.

## Discussion Points

The minister thanked WFP for its continued support and highlighted the government's implementation of the Family Card initiative, one of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's election pledges. Dr. Zahid mentioned that 41 lakh families will receive Family Cards in the current fiscal year. He also discussed providing training and seed money to help poor people engage in income-generating activities and become entrepreneurs.

## Praise and Assurances

Coco H. Ushiyama praised the Family Card initiative, particularly the decision to issue cards in the names of women, calling the approach clear, timely, and realistic. She assured WFP's support for technical and experience sharing assistance for the programme and informed the minister about WFP's welfare activities worldwide, highlighting its emergency relief support during the recent flood situation in Chattogram.

## Why This Matters for Bangladesh

The collaboration between the WFP and the Bangladeshi government is crucial for enhancing social safety programmes, ensuring food security, and supporting vulnerable populations. The Family Card initiative, in particular, aims to provide essential support to families, empowering women and promoting economic stability. WFP's technical assistance and emergency relief efforts are vital in addressing the impacts of climate change and natural disasters, ensuring that affected communities receive timely and effective aid.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/bangladesh/wfp-country-director-meets-dr-zahid