The government is set to launch the long-awaited “Probashi Card” for Bangladeshis working abroad on a pilot basis in August. The target is to distribute the card to 50,000 expatriates by December and 200,000 in total by June next year.
In the first phase it will be distributed as a debit card through the state-owned Janata Bank. It will then be extended in stages to Bangladeshis living in various countries.
Officials said the main aim of the card is to build an integrated digital identity system for Bangladeshis working abroad and make banking, government and welfare services more accessible. Encouraging expatriates to send remittances through legal channels is another key objective.
What the Probashi Card will be
The Probashi Card will be a smart digital identity document that both confirms identity and serves as a means of accessing various financial and government services. Scanning the QR code on the card will show the holder’s key information. A digital version will also be usable through a mobile app, so a plastic card need not be carried at all times.
What benefits it brings
Dual currency and online shopping: The card will include a modern banking payment gateway, so expatriates can spend in the currency of the country they are in as well as in taka in Bangladesh. They will also be able to shop up to a set limit for family members at home from abroad.
Airport lounge and discounts: Holders will get special protocol services at airports, airport lounge access, and discounts on air tickets and hotels.
Probashi City and housing: They will get priority and special facilities in buying housing or plots in “Probashi City” projects being developed in divisional and district towns.
BMET insurance and rehabilitation: BMET insurance benefits, financial compensation, social protection and additional government incentives on remittances will remain in force.
Who gets it first
In the first phase, expatriates registered with the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) will get the card on a priority basis. They will be able to collect it through fresh registration after updating the required information.
Those who already hold a BMET card may not need to pay a fresh registration fee, while new applicants may have to pay the set government fee.
How it will be distributed
If the pilot succeeds, the card will be delivered to expatriates in stages through Bangladesh embassies and missions around the world.
The government is also working to bring under the programme those Bangladeshis who went abroad on student, dependent or other visas and later took up employment but do not hold a BMET card.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report