Recognition of Social Work As A Profession Is Essential

 

Social work has been playing a crucial role in the development and humanitarian progress of Bangladesh. Especially in areas such as poverty, abuse, health, education, mental health, and services for people with special needs, social workers continue to work quietly and devotedly. However, this important work has yet to be officially recognized by the state as a "profession". This is not only disappointing but also a major obstacle in the country's development and policy-making process.

Social work is not merely about charity or donation. It is an institutional and knowledge-based professional discipline. Globally, social work is recognized as a profession, and academically trained social workers at the university level serve in key positions in various governmental, non-governmental, and international organizations. Through their professional ethics, values, skills, and planning, the rights of marginalized and disadvantaged populations are ensured. In Bangladesh too, many students pursue higher education in social work, yet they remain deprived of professional recognition and respect.

According to the 2023–24 fiscal year data, nearly BDT 1.36 trillion is allocated annually in Bangladesh’s national budget for social safety nets and welfare programs. These funds are intended for poverty alleviation, old-age allowances, disability services, widow support, child protection, and more. However, in practice, a significant portion of this budget is managed by local political leaders, elected representatives, or administrative personnel who often lack professional knowledge or training in social work. As a result, those most in need—helpless, abused, poor, and disabled individuals—are frequently deprived of adequate support. The absence of formally educated and professionally trained social workers in the implementation of these programs not only leads to financial inefficiency but also severely undermines the quality and effectiveness of service delivery.

Though discussions about recognizing social work as a profession began after the independence of Bangladesh, the initiative was halted during the military regime in the 1980s. Under the Ershad government, militarization and politicization of administrative structures greatly impacted the system. Politically loyal individuals and administrative cadres were prioritized over trained social workers in local administration and development activities. As a result, social work gradually disappeared from the formal state framework as a recognized profession. This legacy of mismanagement continues, and the profession remains neglected and informal.

But times have changed. Today, society is facing increasingly complex and multidimensional issues such as mental health crises, addiction, child labor, violence against women, trauma, and climate displacement. These challenges cannot be addressed solely through administrative or voluntary efforts. There is a growing need for professionally skilled and emotionally sensitive social workers who can provide effective solutions by understanding the personal, familial, and social contexts of individuals. Therefore, there is no room for further delay in recognizing social work as a profession. It is essential for the state and indispensable for society.

When a social worker operates in a hospital, rehabilitation center, prison, old home, slum, or disaster-affected area, they do so not merely out of sympathy but with professional responsibility and skill. For instance, in working with individuals with mental illness, a social worker must be knowledgeable and experienced in areas such as counseling, family-based assessment, and rehabilitation planning. Is this merely a charitable act? Absolutely not. This is a profession whose necessity is growing every day.

Unfortunately, in Bangladesh, there is no dedicated cadre or employment structure for social workers. Government jobs do not have designated positions for graduates in social work. As a result, social workers are unable to utilize their institutional knowledge and skills and many are forced to pursue alternative professions. Consequently, society is losing a vital and trained human resource.

The question arises: why has the state still not recognized social work as a profession? The reasons lie in a lack of awareness, indifference from policymakers, and misconceptions about the effectiveness of social work. It is often viewed narrowly as NGO-related or voluntary work. However, in many countries, there are professional cadres known as "Licensed Social Workers", whose recognition and responsibilities are defined by law.

It is now time for Bangladesh to also provide professional recognition to social work. This requires the creation of designated posts for social workers in government jobs, inclusion of social workers in departments such as the Department of Social Services, the development of a license-based professional social worker structure, and the integration and promotion of the importance of social work in national policies.

Ignoring this reality is not an option. As the current interim head of government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus is an internationally renowned pioneer in NGO and social development work. The Nobel laureate economist has devoted his life to improving the quality of life of marginalized people. Therefore, we believe he can deeply understand the significance of social work and the need for its professional recognition.

We earnestly call upon him: recognize social work as a profession and incorporate this sector into an institutional framework. By implementing social security and welfare programs through trained social workers, the public will receive services more appropriately and with greater dignity. Professional recognition of social workers is not just about establishing their status. It is about strengthening the country's social security. As society becomes more complex and diverse, the need for trained and responsible social workers increases. Ignoring this reality will not take us forward. Therefore, the time is now—recognize social work as a profession and take a bold step toward protecting human rights and dignity.


Sk Shahrier Hossen is a
journalist and a columnist.