By Sanjida Sultana

The Social Security Policy Support (SSPS) Programme supports the Government of Bangladesh in strengthening and modernizing the country’s social protection system in line with the National Social Security Strategy (NSSS) 2015–2026 and the transition toward NSSS 2026+. Grounded in constitutional obligations and international human rights commitments, SSPS works to move Bangladesh from fragmented, relief-based assistance toward a coordinated, lifecycle-based, and rights-based social protection system. While significant progress has been made over the past decade—such as expanded programme coverage, improved policy coordination, increased digitization, and stronger governance structures—persistent challenges remain, including programme fragmentation, targeting errors, limited coverage for urban poor and informal workers, weak shock responsiveness, and uneven accountability. SSPS addresses these gaps through evidence-based policy diagnostics, system reforms, and capacity development, focusing on priority areas such as gender, children, persons with disabilities, labour force transitions, shock and climate resilience, grievance redress, and social insurance. Key contributions include advancing the Single Registry MIS roadmap, strengthening digital delivery and G2P payments, supporting adaptive social protection frameworks, improving inter-ministerial coordination through the Central Management Committee and thematic clusters, and producing a wide range of knowledge products to inform policy and implementation. As Bangladesh approaches a critical transition point with NSSS 2026+, SSPS plays a central role in helping shape a more inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable next-generation social protection system that reaches underserved populations, enhances transparency and trust, and delivers support effectively across the full life course