The European Union has disbursed € 23.5 million to the Bangladesh to support improved social protection, says a press release.
This grant financing recognises progress and encourages further efforts to implement the National Social Security Strategy, notably for Bangladesh’s most vulnerable citizens, despite facing a series of challenges, including high inflation and job losses in the garment sector.
The EU is Bangladesh’s long-term partner for improved social protection, a priority issue for the country’s inclusive economic development.
Since 2019, the EU has provided € 285 million in grants for social protection, including € 20 million from Germany.
Another € 15 million is being provided to help implement reforms through technical assistance.
With this financing, the EU is proud to have helped Bangladesh pay over 90 per cent of cash benefits directly into people’s accounts through the digital Government-to-Person system.
A single registry has been launched, linking more than 30 programmes, which improves transparency, reduces duplication, and ensures better targeting.
A Labour Information Management System is under development and already includes data for over 650,000 workers across the formal and informal sectors.
The Employment Injury Scheme pilot is now providing lifelong pensions in cases of workplace or commuting accidents and is expanding to more sectors, including export processing zones.
Moreover, for the first time, over 1,200 unemployed workers from one factory have received benefits under the government’s unemployment support programme.
EU ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller remarked, ‘Social protection is about respect, dignity, and resilience. It helps people navigate life’s uncertainties. As Bangladesh moves toward graduation from Least Developed Country status, investing in strong and inclusive social protection systems is vital to promote prosperity, stability and social cohesion. It also helps rebuild public trust in state institutions’.
