This research is part of the United Nations Development Programme in Bangladesh’s support for the Government of Bangladesh’s national objective of strengthening Government to Person delivery systems for social security cash transfers. This objective is outlined in the National Social Security Strategy of Bangladesh. The purpose of this micro-pilot was to explore the complexities involved in offering digital delivery mechanisms for social security cash transfers as an alternative to the status quo method of physical delivery. The information contained within this report and all ancillary data regarding the pilot will be used to inform additional research on Government to Person delivery mechanisms and provide policy guidance to the Central Management Committee.

The micro-pilot was conducted as a joint initiative by the Social Security Policy Support project, and the Strengthening Women’s Ability for Productive New Opportunities project. The Social Security Policy Support project is implemented in partnership with the General Economics Division, Planning Commission; the Cabinet Division, Government of Bangladesh; and supported by the Department for International Development. The Strengthening Women’s Ability for Productive New Opportunities project is implemented in partnership with the Local Government Division, Government of Bangladesh; and the International Labour Organization; and supported by the Sustainable Development Goals Fund and the Bangladesh Steel Re-Rolling Mills.

The pilot benefited from the support of the following individuals and implementing partners: Aminul Arifeen, Project Manager, Social Security Policy Support, UNDP; Göran Jonsson, Senior Programme Advisor, UNDP; Belayet Hossain, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, SWAPNO; Durani Abul Ahsan, Management Information System Associate, SWAPNO; Ahmadul Kabir Akon, District Manager for Kurigram, SWAPNO; Rabiul Islam, District Manager for Satkhira, SWAPNO; bKash; Bank Asia; and the Bangladesh Post Office.