Special ‘Probashi Card’ to Offer Wide Benefits to Bangladeshi Expatriates
Bangladesh is preparing to roll out a new ‘Probashi Card’ next month, designed to offer a wide range of benefits for its expatriate citizens. The government will launch this Expatriate Card on a pilot basis in the second week of next month. Initially, the state-owned Janata Bank will issue the Probashi Debit Card.
This important decision came from a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office. Officials aim to distribute 50,000 Probashi Cards by December this year, with a target of 200,000 cards by June next year. In later phases, the Probashi Kallyan Bank will handle all card-related operations.
The new card aims to boost the social standing and empowerment of Bangladeshi expatriates. It will provide financial incentives and ensure international payment and banking services through a dual-currency card. This initiative fulfills one of the government’s election pledges. Other similar programs, like the Family Card and Farmer Card, are already underway.
Cardholders will enjoy many advantages. These include free access to airport lounges both at home and abroad. They will also benefit from faster immigration services through special booths and complimentary meet-and-greet services at international airports. Discounts on airline tickets and hotel bookings are also part of the package, along with fair-priced vehicle booking options. Holders of the Signature Card will additionally receive airport pick-up and drop-off services.
Beyond travel perks, the Probashi Card offers further support. Expatriates will find dedicated service booths in government hospitals and discounts at private healthcare facilities. The program also ensures free transport for the bodies of deceased cardholders and rehabilitation support for those returning home.
Other key benefits include insurance coverage, priority in land registration, utility services, and licensing. Cardholders will also receive preference for foreign investment, earn remittance reward points, and access credit scoring and loan facilities. The card will simplify financial transactions and enable direct money transfers. Priority services for National Identity cards, passports, and consular support, along with other banking and government services, complete the comprehensive offering.
Prime Minister Rahman has instructed authorities to ensure that all Bangladeshis living globally are included in this new Probashi Card program. He also directed the modernization of the National Skills Development Authority to meet current needs. The meeting saw the attendance of several high-ranking officials, including the Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister and the Prime Minister’s advisors.
