This report, prepared by the Social Security Policy Support Programme (SSPS), presents an analysis of Bangladesh’s FY 2025–26 Social Protection Budget. It examines allocation patterns, programme composition, and policy directions while comparing trends with the FY 2024–25 budget. Social protection has become central to Bangladesh’s development strategy, addressing poverty, inequality, demographic shifts, and climate vulnerability, while promoting resilience, human development, and inclusive growth. The FY 2025–26 national budget totals BDT 7,90,000 crore, of which BDT 1,16,731 crore (USD 9.57 billion) is allocated to social protection—14.78% of the total budget and 1.87% of GDP. Programmes cover diverse groups, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, children, and vulnerable households, guided by the National Social Security Strategy’s lifecycle-based framework. Key developments include consolidation of programmes from 140 to 95 for greater efficiency, expanded digitization through Government-to-Person (G2P) payments and the Dynamic Single Registry, and a shift toward cash-based assistance with graduation models that combine financial support, skills training, and livelihoods. The analysis highlights alignment with the NSSS vision while addressing challenges such as inflation, urban-rural disparities, and targeting errors. By providing evidence-based insights, this report aims to inform policy, strengthen resource allocation, and support the creation of an inclusive and resilient social security system.

The National Conference on Social Protection 2025, held from 1–3 September 2025 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, served as a high-level platform to...

Chair: Mr. AHM Shafiquzzaman, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment Discussant 1: Mr. Saad Gilani, Technical Adviser, ILO, Dhaka, Bangladesh Discussant 2: Dr. Silvia...