The Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has taken a significant step in enhancing social protection mechanisms by introducing the National Social Security Strategy (NSSS) – a comprehensive social protection reform strategy approved by the Cabinet in June 2015. While progress has been made in the social protection system, ongoing challenges require a thorough review and consensus-building among ministries to improve the efficiency of social protection delivery. Enhancing selection and delivery mechanisms for the right programs can ensure that all citizens entitled to social protection receive the benefits they deserve under constitutional obligations. Currently, 39 government agencies are involved in the social protection reform process. The Cabinet Division, led by the Cabinet Secretary, plays a crucial coordinating role in the reform process. With support from the Social Security Policy Support (SSPS) Program of UNDP Bangladesh and DFAT Australia, the Cabinet Division organized a high-level policy dialogue chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, Md Mahbub Hossain. The dialogue included Secretaries from key ministries such as Social Welfare, Labor and Employment, Disaster Management and Relief, Finance, Economic Relations Division (ERD), General Economics Division (GED), and the Secretary Coordination and Reforms Cabinet Division, along with other focal points from various social protection implementation ministries/divisions. The policy dialogue with key ministries and divisions focused on strengthening inter-ministerial coordination and enhancing understanding of implementing the National Social Security Strategy (NSSS) phase 2 (2021-2026). It also aimed to build consensus on social protection reforms and initiate preparations for NSSS 2026 and beyond. The dialogue served as a platform for high-level policy discussions and consensus-building among GoB ministries/divisions to accelerate the reform progress outlined in the NSSS.
The outcomes of the dialogue included:
1) Reviewing institutional reforms outlined in the NSSS and addressing challenges;
2) Building consensus on the Bangladesh-defined Single Registry MIS, interoperability, and best options;
3) Consensus on the development of the National Social Insurance Scheme (NSIS) – National Social Insurance Act, selecting optimal models for unemployment, injury, and maternal health insurance based on studies and experience-sharing visits; and
4) Providing guidance on key agendas for the future NSSS 2026 and beyond.
The Social Security Policy Support (SSPS) Program, a flagship policy program of the Cabinet Division, has been working to reshape the social protection system following the NSSS. The program focuses on improving social protection governance and strengthening social protection systems. Technical support from the SSPS Program was instrumental in organizing this consultative dialogue.
