The National Social Security Strategy (NSSS), adopted in 2015, reflects the Government of Bangladesh’s resolute commitment towards reducing poverty and vulnerability. Building on past experience, the strategy seeks to streamline and strengthen the existing system of social protection with a view to achieving better results. It aims to put in place for all deserving Bangladeshis an inclusive system that effectively tackles lifecycle risks.

The NSSS proposed several key reforms – related to both programmes as well as institutional arrangements. The strategy has been complemented by an action plan to guide the implementation process. As it marks the halfway through its first phase (2016-2021) of implementation, this Midterm Review assesses the progress made on various reform measures as stipulated in the NSSS.

The methodological approach taken involves identifying all NSSS individual programmatic and institutional reforms and then tracking their progress against the envisaged performance as set out in the Action Plan. In this process, the Midterm Review (MTR) has assessed the implementation status of 86 activities/indicators associated with programme reforms and 50 such indicators for institutional reforms.

The MTR makes use of both qualitative and quantitative methods. The primary instrument for quantitative assessment has been key informant interviews (KIIs). Several dozens of KIIs have been conducted with the officials from relevant line ministries, departments, and stakeholders. For quantitative methods, data from secondary sources on programme participation, coverage, budgetary allocation, etc. have been used.