Beyond the Safety Net | BOBC 2026

How can Bangladesh build a more responsive, integrated and trusted social protection system? Beyond the Safety Net, an Inner Forum at the Bay of Bengal Conversation 2026, examines a decade of reform under Bangladesh’s National Social Security Strategy and priorities for the next phase. Drawing on experiences from Bangladesh, Australia, Malaysia and the Maldives, the discussion explores support across the life cycle, workers’ protection, demographic change and institutional coordination. It considers how better service delivery, sustainable financing and stronger accountability can expand inclusion and rebuild public trust. Chapters 00:00 Opening remarks and social protection beyond safety nets 02:06 Ten years of reform: achievements, gaps and the Family Card 15:00 Demographic change, youth employment and the care economy 23:54 Workers’ protection and employment injury insurance 30:45 Australia’s perspective on inclusive and sustainable social protection 42:17 Lessons from the Maldives on lifelong support and service delivery 50:18 Malaysia’s experience with social insurance and urban poverty 59:44 Public trust, governance and the social contract 01:07:44 Audience Q&A on migrant workers and social insurance 01:13:50 Urban vulnerability, automation and portable benefits 01:22:28 Institutional coordination and inclusion of marginalised communities 01:27:22 Labour protections for informal workers 01:29:24 Government priorities for the next social protection framework 01:37:59 Five priorities for reform and a new social contract 01:43:45 Closing reflections and key recommendations Speakers Nazneen Ahmed, Executive Director, Centre for Policy Dialogue, Bangladesh Syed Haider, Head of Development Cooperation, Australian High Commission in Bangladesh Md. Nurul Haque, State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Bangladesh Zuraida Kamaruddin, Former Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Malaysia Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed, Representative in Bangladesh, World Health Organization Mariyam Nasir, Director General, Ministry of Education, Maldives Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, Chairman, RAPID, Bangladesh Zahir Uddin Swapon, Political Adviser to the Prime Minister, Bangladesh Max Tuñón, ILO Country Director, Bangladesh Moderator Anowarul Haq, Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh Date: 4 October 2026 Venue: CIAO, Pan Pacific Sonargaon, Dhaka, Bangladesh Organiser: Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) About CGS The Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) is an independent, non-profit think tank in Bangladesh working to strengthen governance and support democratic development through research and dialogue. Connect with CGS Website: https://cgs-bd.com/ Facebook:   / cgs.org   Instagram:   / centreforgovernancestudiesbd   LinkedIn:   / centerforgovernancestudies   X: https://x.com/CGSbangladesh © 2026 Centre for Governance Studies (CGS). All rights reserved. #BoBC2026 #BayOfBengalConversation #SocialProtection