The government is going to launch the ‘Probashi Card’ for Bangladeshi expatriates under a pilot project in mid-August to provide services and benefits to them.
The decision was made at a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office on Saturday afternoon, said Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin.
A dual currency “Probashi Debit Card” will be launched in the first phase, he said, adding that state-run Janata Bank will issue it.
"The purpose of issuing this card is to ensure social status, empowerment, financial incentives and international payment and banking facilities for expatriates through the dual currency debit card," said Shadhin.
The meeting also set a target to distribute 50,000 “Probashi Cards” cards by December and another 150,000 by June next year.
The government-owned Probashi Kallyan Bank will issue the card in the second phase.
Following its an election promise, the BNP government has already started implementing the Family Card, Farmers Card and Sports Card schemes. And the “Probashi Card” is the latest addition to the list.
Features Of The Card
> “Complimentary” airport lounge use at home and abroad as well as fast service through special immigration booths.
> “Complimentary meet and greet” service at international airports.
> Discount on air tickets and hotel bookings.
> Fair car booking at home and abroad and airport ‘pick and drop’ service on signature cards.
> Discount on expatriate service booths at government hospitals and private ones.
> Free transportation of the body after the cardholder’s death, rehabilitation opportunities and insurance benefits for expatriate returnees.
> Priority in land registration, land mutation, utilities, licences and foreign investment.
> Remittance reward points, credit scoring and loan facilities, easy transactions including sending money directly through the card.
> Priority in NID, passport and consular services.
> Other benefits provided by banks and the government.
