By Arju Afrin Kathy

This report summarizes key discussions from a consultative dialogue with development partners on the Final Evaluation of Bangladesh’s National Social Security Strategy (NSSS) 2015–2026. The dialogue took place at a critical policy juncture as Bangladesh prepares to design its next-generation social protection strategy.

The evaluation highlights mixed progress. Strong achievements include expansion of social allowances—particularly for the elderly and persons with disabilities—along with significant improvements in digital systems such as the Single Registry and Government-to-Person (G2P) payments.

However, several structural challenges persist. Coverage gaps remain for working-age populations, urban poor, and vulnerable children, while programme consolidation and social insurance reforms have been limited. Weak beneficiary targeting, data system limitations, and coordination gaps across institutions continue to affect efficiency and equity.

The report emphasizes that rising inequality, informality, and climate vulnerability require a more adaptive, inclusive, and resilient social protection system. It calls for strengthened governance, improved targeting, enhanced coordination, and a stronger focus on gender equality, disability inclusion, and climate responsiveness in the next NSSS.