Description

This book highlights the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Bangladesh's marginalised communities and the pivotal role of Social Safety Net Programs (SSNPs) in alleviating poverty and food insecurity of low-income families. Emphasising the need for inclusive decision-making and the involvement of citizen perspectives to ensure no one is left behind to align with the Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, the authors stress the importance of engaging local government institutions to coordinate timely and effective assistance in times of crises. Advocating for increased funding and improved targeting mechanisms, the authors identify the critical need for real-time data to inform policy responses effectively. Strategies to address chronic poverty are outlined, emphasizing the multifaceted approach needed for effective poverty reduction. The mixed-methods research sheds light on the potential of SSNPs to not only address immediate food security concerns but also wider social equity of those in need. Lower-middle-income countries, including Bangladesh, face complex challenges adapting to economic changes, urbanization, and societal shifts, necessitating robust social protection policies. While Bangladesh has progressed in reducing poverty, this book acknowledges challenges and regional disparities across four unions and different districts, which were selected based on specific criteria to ensure diversity. This book is of interest to scholars and students of social policy, public policy, sociology and public administration, particularly in the South Asian context.