In a decisive move to strengthen Bangladesh’s social safety net programs, a high-level meeting, chaired by Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid, Cabinet Secretary, laid out ambitious plans to combat poverty and reduce inequality through systematic reforms. The chairperson opened the session by emphasizing the vital role of social safety nets in improving the lives of the country’s underprivileged and highlighted the formation of a Central Management Committee to oversee and coordinate the initiatives.

During the meeting, Mr. Khaled Hasan, Additional Secretary, Coordination and Reform, Cabinet Division, presented the agenda, starting with a unanimous confirmation of the minutes from the previous meeting.

The meeting also reviewed the activities of five thematic clusters established under the National Social Security Strategy (NSSS), covering areas like social assistance, labor and livelihoods, and food security. While the clusters are crucial for monitoring and evaluation, inconsistent meeting schedules were flagged as an issue, prompting the chairperson to urge greater adherence to quarterly reviews.

On social insurance, the meeting lauded the successful implementation of the Private Pension Scheme, designed to ensure financial stability for private-sector employees. It also reviewed progress on the National Social Insurance Scheme (NSIS), which aims to expand coverage for unemployment, maternity, and health-related risks. The initiatives are being bolstered through partnerships with international organizations to enhance administrative efficiency.

Recognizing the critical role of non-governmental organizations, the participants called for deeper collaborations to amplify the impact of social safety programs, especially in areas like poverty alleviation and human resource development. The chairperson stressed that NGOs’ grassroots reach and expertise are invaluable for implementing large-scale initiatives effectively.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on fast-tracking the implementation of the DSR, revitalizing the activities of thematic clusters, and accelerating progress in social insurance reforms. The collective efforts are part of the government’s broader commitment to fulfilling the goals of the NSSS, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable future for Bangladesh’s most vulnerable citizens.