Social Security Policy Support (SSPS) Programme

An initiative of the Cabinet Division and the General Economics Division (GED), Bangladesh Planning Commission, Government of Bangladesh
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Rethinking Social Protection for Bangladesh’s Urban Poor

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As Bangladesh undergoes rapid urbanization, this episode explores the shifting landscape of poverty from rural to urban settings. Drawing from a recent policy brief, we examine how urban poverty and vulnerability have intensified, despite overall economic progress. Between 2010 and 2022, urban poverty declined at half the pace of rural areas, while the number of urban poor rose from 7.4 to 7.9 million and vulnerable urban residents from 13.3 to 15.3 million. Yet, Bangladesh’s social protection system remains overwhelmingly rural-focused, with only 4.1% of the budget allocated to urban-targeted programs. Urban coverage is lower and targeting errors more prevalent. The episode highlights urgent policy recommendations, including expanding lifecycle-based schemes, launching urban workfare and food-based programs, and integrating social insurance and adaptive protection measures. From a development perspective, these reforms are essential for ensuring that Bangladesh’s social protection architecture evolves with its urban future.



By- Arju Afrin Kathy

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SSPS Programme

An initiative of the Cabinet Division and the General Economics Division (GED), Planning Commission, Government of Bangladesh.

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