Social protection in Bangladesh: A journey towards an equitable society

Social inequality and discrimination in society are too conspicuous to ignore. State policymakers must take these issues seriously and remain strongly committed to building a just and equitable society. Only then can effective steps be taken to ensure the social security of citizens by eliminating systemic discrimination based on race, gender, age, socioeconomic status, and other factors. 

This goal is achievable through the formulation and implementation of appropriate policies. As a result, fairness and social justice can be established in society while ensuring equal opportunities, access to resources, and the protection of rights for all citizens.

The theme of the National Conference on Social Security 2025 has been set as 'A Journey towards an Equitable Society'. This theme emphasises setting both the pace and the direction of the process of creating a transformative society, one in which equal opportunities and rights for all individuals are given the utmost importance.

Undoubtedly, numerous positive aspects are evident among the multifaceted measures currently being implemented for social protection in Bangladesh. 

However, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to upgrade Bangladesh to an upper-middle-income country by 2031, while Vision 2041, formulated by the National Economic Council of Bangladesh, outlines the declaration to transform the country into a developed and prosperous nation. In the changed political context, the current interim government of Bangladesh has also reaffirmed its strong commitment to implementing these promises.

Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly observe, monitor, and evaluate all existing social protection initiatives in order to identify systemic flaws and determine strategies for expanding their reach. If obstacles within the social safety net are identified, they must be removed, and effective policies must be adopted to address social inequality. It is also essential to take timely measures to empower marginalised communities, while promoting inclusiveness and respect for human diversity.

Properly identifying the right number of beneficiaries and increasing per capita allocation are urgent needs — particularly to reduce poverty, minimise social inequality, and improve the standard of living for poor, marginalised, disadvantaged, and underrepresented communities.

The full report of the Task Force on Redesigning Economic Strategies and the Mobilisation of Necessary Resources for Sustainable Development, under the current interim government, has revealed several inconsistencies in social protection. The report states that about 54% of the country's poor and vulnerable families are excluded from social security coverage. 

Conversely, 62% of families that currently receive benefits are not poor and face no significant risks. The report also notes that eliminating these shortcomings could lift at least 1.1 million people from extreme poverty and 2.5 million others from general poverty.

It is also reported that more than half of the money allocated in Bangladesh's budget for social security and related sectors is misdirected. The task force identified 21 budgetary sectors as incompatible with the goal of protecting the poor. 

In other words, although funds are allocated under the label of social protection, they often fail to reach the poor and the financially vulnerable population. As a result, their poverty situation remains unchanged.

Another negative aspect highlighted in the report is that many ineligible individuals have been included in social protection programs due to political considerations and corruption. Consequently, many of those who are genuinely eligible are excluded from benefits. These weaknesses in social security programs create major obstacles for vulnerable populations seeking to break free from the cycle of poverty.

A just society is built upon core principles: ensuring equal opportunities for all in wealth, education, and advancement; dismantling social structures that create and perpetuate inequality; and providing disadvantaged individuals and communities with pathways to claim their rights and achieve a better standard of living. This requires properly valuing the diverse knowledge systems, experiences, and perspectives of all groups in society, while emphasising inclusion and respect for human diversity.

Finally, it is necessary to secure the commitment of all stakeholders in the state for the proper implementation of laws and policies designed to establish social justice. Only through their active participation can a sustainable and effective social system — based on justice and free from discrimination — be truly established.

Monjur Rashid is a researcher, social analyst and policy advocate.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.