Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, May 4, 2026 (BSS)- Speakers at a seminar here today unanimously mentioned that proper implementation of the Social Safety Net Programmes (SSNPs) can be the crucial means of alleviating poverty.

They also viewed that there are various challenges in the field of implementing the SSNPs and utmost emphasis should be given on facing the challenges collectively so that sustainable development can be achieved through freeing the society from the existing poverty.

The Divisional Office of the Department of Social Services (DSS) organized the seminar titled “Transformation of Bangladesh’s Social Safety Nets Framework: Expectations for Achieving Global Standards” at its district office conference hall.

DSS Divisional Director Syed Mostaque Hasan presided over the meeting. Professor Fakhrul Islam from the Department of Social Work and Professor Munshi Israil Hossain from the Department of Sociology at Rajshahi University and DSS Additional Director Tapos Folia spoke as panel discussants.

During his keynote presentation, Social Service Officer Rezaul Karim gave an overview of the DSS activities along with its existing challenges and way forwards.

The speakers said Bangladesh is transforming its patchwork of social safety nets into a consolidated lifecycle-based system under the SSNPs, aiming for global standards by 2026. 

This involves reducing program fragmentation, digitizing payments, expanding coverage for the elderly and disabled, and integrating climate-adaptive measures to achieve sustainable poverty reduction.

Prof Fakhrul Islam talked about the shifting from numerous small, fragmented programs to a consolidated system targeting specific life stages.

He said the SSNPs aims to reduce the high number of programs to improve coordination and reduce administrative overhead.
He also focused on integrating climate resilience and disaster response directly into social protection, with a growing focus on disaster-responsive cash transfers.

In his remarks, Prof Munshi Israil Hossain said SSNPs are implemented by multiple ministries with weak coordination, leading to duplication and inefficiency. Transfer amounts are often too small to meaningfully reduce poverty or vulnerability.

Syed Mostaque Hasan said the present government has launched the ‘Family Card’ which will bring an epoch-making change in the field of social protection.

Through this initiative, the poor and insolvent families will get their legitimate support to meet up the basic needs, he added.

Editor of Daily Sonar Desh Akbarul Hassan Millat, DSS Deputy Director Hasina Momtaz and Social Service Officer Dr Hamidul Islam also spoke on the occasion.  

Speakers say SSNPs must remain a focal point of government planning. It is crucial to not only allocate adequate funds but also to enhance programme efficiency.

It is also important to strengthen monitoring and supervision on the implementation process to make the schemes more accountable and transparent.