Three-day National Conference Opens with Call for Equitable Society

The Government of Bangladesh today inaugurated the National Conference on Social Protection 2025 under the theme "A Journey Towards an Equitable Society" at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC).

Organised by the Cabinet Division with technical support from UNDP Bangladesh's Social Security Policy Support (SSPS) Programme and funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Government of Australia, the three-day conference brings together senior policymakers, development partners, academics, and civil society leaders. The forum marks a critical juncture, as the National Social Security Strategy (2015-2026) approaches its conclusion and Bangladesh sets out to design its next-generation framework for social protection.

Mohammad Khaled Hasan, Additional Secretary, presented the keynote paper focusing on the need for inclusive and rights-based social protection strategies in Bangladesh.

In his opening address as the Chief Guest, Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud, Hon'ble Adviser, Ministry of Planning, underscored the urgency of adapting policies to changing social realities. "This is the time to act. Social protection is not only an economic imperative; it is a moral responsibility. As a middle-income country preparing to graduate from LDC status, Bangladesh has no excuse not to build a universal system that ensures dignity and security for all."

Throughout the three days, the conference will examine lessons from a decade of reforms and explore priorities for the future: inclusive social allowances, labour and livelihood interventions, food security, adaptive responses to climate shocks, and gender-responsive strategies. Sessions will also spotlight the potential of digital innovations such as dynamic registries and shock-responsive systems to build resilience and improve service delivery.

Faruk E Azam, Bir Protik, Hon'ble Adviser, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief and Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, highlighted the need to integrate disaster response with social protection. "Adaptive and shock-responsive social protection is not optional; it is the foundation of resilience. Social protection in Bangladesh began with disaster response, and today, making communities disaster-resilient remains the strongest form of social protection."

Reinforcing their support, Clinton Pobke, Deputy High Commissioner, Australian Government shared, "Australia is proud to stand beside Bangladesh in shaping a system that is inclusive, adaptive, and resilient to the challenges of a changing climate."

Chairing the inaugural session, Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid, Cabinet Secretary, emphasised the government's resolve. "The Government of Bangladesh is firmly committed to building a social protection system that is inclusive, resilient, and just. The discussions at this conference will help us translate that resolve into practical pathways for the next generation of social security."

Zaheda Parveen, Secretary, Coordination and Reform, Cabinet Division, presented the welcome address. Meanwhile, Michal Krejza, Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, Monzur Hossain, Member (Secretary) of Bangladesh Planning Commission and Dr. Md. Mokhles ur Rahman, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, were also among many who spoke at the conference.

The conference will end on 3rd Sept with Sharmeen S. Murshid, Honorable Adviser for Social Welfare, Government of Bangladesh as the Chief Guest, Dr. Mohammad Abu Yusuf, Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare as the Chair and many other esteemed personnels. Expected outcomes include a set of consolidated recommendations that will guide Bangladesh's next-generation strategy, shaping a system that is more inclusive, adaptive, and aligned with the country's long-term development aspirations.