URBAN SOCIAL PROTECTION POLICY IN BANGLADESH ADDRESSING INEQUALITY AND VULNERABILITY AMID RAPID URBANIZATION

Rapid urbanization in Bangladesh is transforming patterns of poverty and placing new demands on social protection systems that have historically prioritized rural deprivation and categorical eligibility. This study examines the extent to which national policies address urban vulnerability, implement relevant instruments, and facilitate access to benefits. The qualitative document review encompasses eight strategy, statistical, and assessment documents, an institutional notice, and selected peer-reviewed studies. A structured matrix is used to evaluate risk recognition, eligibility and benefit design, administrative access, accountability, and shock responsiveness. The findings indicate improved recognition of urban deprivation, yet operational reforms remain incomplete. Although urban poverty rates have declined, income inequality has increased; according to BBS, 23.9% of urban and 44.0% of rural households received social security benefits in 2022. However, these figures do not capture program effectiveness. Persistent challenges include adapting to informal employment, ensuring benefit portability, providing sufficient information on benefit adequacy, and integrating routine and crisis assistance. Progress is evident in digital payments and beneficiary management systems, though success is uneven. The analysis identifies mismatches in recognition, design, and delivery, and emphasizes the need for program-specific evidence to assess each area. Key priorities include assisted enrolment, portable records and payments, locally informed adequacy reviews, accessible appeals, and pre-arranged shock-response protocols. This analysis focuses on policy alignment within documents rather than causal program impacts or nationally representative beneficiary experiences.