The European Union has recently provided a significant grant of €23.5 million to Bangladesh. This generous contribution is aimed at strengthening and improving the country’s social protection programs, which are designed to help its most vulnerable citizens. This support from the EU recognizes the good work Bangladesh has already done in this area and encourages the nation to keep moving forward with its National Social Security Strategy, especially during times when people might be facing difficulties like rising prices or job losses.For many years, the European Union has been a significant and constant partner in Bangladesh’s social protection system. Since 2019, they have given a total of €285 million in grants, including some money from Germany. On top of that, another €15 million is being provided to help with technical advice, making sure that new ideas and changes can be put into action smoothly. This ongoing support has made a big difference. For example, over 90% of money given out as help to people now goes directly into their bank accounts through a modern digital system. This makes sure that the money reaches the right people quickly and safely. A clever new system called a Single Registry has also been launched. This system connects information from over 30 different social programs, making it easier to see who needs help and to make sure the right people receive it. Another system, which tracks information about workers, is also being developed and already has details for more than 650,000 workers. These technological advancements are key to making social support more effective and transparent for everyone. An exciting new pilot program that helps workers who get hurt on the job is also growing. This program gives lifelong financial support to those who have accidents at work. Additionally, help is now being extended to workers who find themselves without a job, showing a wider commitment to protecting people during tough times. The EU Ambassador, Michael Miller, shared that social protection is about making sure people have dignity, can bounce back from challenges, and helps create a stable and caring society where everyone feels safe. The EU is also encouraging Bangladesh to plan for the future by creating an updated National Social Security Strategy that will go beyond 2026. They hope this new plan will do even more to help people in cities and those affected by climate change, and that the programs will have strong, long-term funding. This partnership highlights a shared goal of building a more secure and thriving future for the people of Bangladesh, ensuring that vital support reaches those who need it most through modern and efficient systems.
