Innovations and Challenges in Crisis Contexts: Bangladesh’s Social Protection Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Many countries around the world introduced new social protection measures in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. In Bangladesh, innovations included emergency schemes such as cash support for informal workers and digital methods of delivery. However, for many people, the government safety net packages were unavailable to them, or they were ashamed to make a claim, or it was not enough to meet their basic needs. This Covid-19 Learning, Evidence and Research Programme (CLEAR) Synthesis Paper explores three emerging themes: (1) targeting and access to social protection, (2) legitimacy and accountability, and (3) the role of stress, stigma, and social norms. It then discusses these themes in relation to global debates about social protection and identifies key areas for further research to improve future social protection targeting and delivery in Bangladesh.