Identify Risks, Deliver Support Faster

A simpler and more integrated social protection system is needed so citizens do not have to visit multiple government offices to access essential services, said Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapan. He stressed the need for the state to identify people’s vulnerabilities and risks, respond quickly and deliver support through transparent digital systems.

Swapan made the remarks on Sunday, October 4, at a session titled “Beyond the Safety Net” at the fifth Bay of Bengal Conversation in Dhaka.

He said the state should identify citizens facing vulnerability and risk and respond quickly through transparent digital systems. The social protection system, he added, should be designed so that people can access necessary government assistance without moving from one government office to another.

Swapan said Bangladesh has completed the first 10 years of the National Social Security Strategy, or NSSS. Based on that experience, the government is working to develop a new strategy. Bangladesh is also working with development partners, including the International Labour Organization and the United Nations Development Programme, on the experience and initiatives related to social protection.

The adviser said social protection programmes should not be viewed simply as an act of charity or compassion by the state. Their objective should be to protect human dignity, strengthen people’s ability to withstand shocks, improve productivity and promote social cohesion.

He also said the success of social protection programmes should not be measured only by how much money is spent. Instead, attention should be given to how effectively the allocated funds reach people and how much they improve people’s ability to manage risks and build better lives.

Swapan noted that climate change is increasing the risks of floods, cyclones and other disasters. At the same time, families are facing growing pressures from urban poverty, informal employment, inflation, healthcare costs, unemployment and sudden income losses.

To address these changing risks, he stressed the importance of a dynamic social registry, digital payment systems and integrated data management. Such technology-enabled systems can help identify vulnerable people, assess their needs and deliver support more quickly and efficiently.

The three-day Bay of Bengal Conversation is being organised by the Centre for Governance Studies under the theme “Navigating Power, Technology and Trust in a World Rewritten.” The event is being held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman delivered the opening address on Saturday, October 3.

The fifth edition of the Bay of Bengal Conversation has brought together nearly 200 speakers, 300 delegates and more than 1,000 participants from more than 100 countries. Former heads of state and government, ministers, diplomats, researchers, journalists, business leaders, security experts, civil society representatives, innovators and young leaders are participating.

The three-day international conference will conclude on Monday, October 5.
//DBTech/BNN/SMP/BPC//