Platform-based gig workers have become an increasingly important part of Bangladesh’s workforce. Yet many ride-sharing drivers and food-delivery riders remain outside formal social protection mechanisms. Bangladesh needs to explore feasible ways to extend social insurance coverage to these workers.
Against this backdrop, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) organised an Expert Group Meeting on Social Insurance for Gig Workers in Bangladesh on 1 September 2026. The meeting was convened as part of CPD’s research study, Beyond the Platform: Social Insurance for Gig Workers in Bangladesh, which aims to develop a feasible roadmap for extending social insurance to gig workers in Bangladesh.
Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow, CPD, chaired the meeting. In his remarks, he emphasised the need to explore appropriate models to develop a sustainable and inclusive insurance framework for platform workers. He also stressed the importance of drawing on existing experiences in shaping an effective system.
Mr Towfiqul Islam Khan, Additional Research Director of CPD, delivered a trigger presentation to initiate the discussion. He provided an overview of the study and the current state of insurance coverage for platform workers, drawing on international experiences to highlight possible policy approaches. The presentation also identified key areas of protection and potential sources of financing, while raising several questions for further discussion.
Representatives from insurance companies, digital platforms, government and regulatory institutions, international development partners, app-based workers’ representatives and academia participated in the discussion.
The meeting underscored the importance of continued collaboration among relevant stakeholders. The insights and perspectives shared during the discussion will inform the next steps of the research.
