How evidence shapes policy making: a case study approach in Bangladesh

Introduction Evidence-based policy making (EBP) is crucial for addressing a country’s challenges and ensuring the effective and sustainable use of public resources. However, EBP is inconsistent and faces challenges in Bangladesh. Therefore, this study aims to determine whether the National Strategy for Adolescent Health 2017–2030 (NAHS), the National Child Labour Elimination Policy 2010 (NCLEP) and the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act 1995 (BECA) were supported by evidence. This study provides an exclusive investigation that blends qualitative and quantitative methodologies and contributes new knowledge to the existing body of literature by emphasising the need for more robust evidence-based procedures. Methods/Data A case study approach was employed to collect data using a structured survey questionnaire, key informant interviews and focus group discussions with policy makers, stakeholders and policy analysts. Analytic plan The state of EBP is determined using a structural equation model, along with descriptive analysis and indexing. Results The results postulate that evidence is primarily employed in the early stages of policy formulation, while monitoring and evaluation pose the greatest challenges. In the case of NAHS, findings suggest that the policy formulation process was evidence-based, and the objectives were developed using evidence. Conversely, the policy implementation and formulation processes appear to lack evidence in the cases of BECA and NCLEP, respectively. Furthermore, constraints such as limited resources, evolving social conditions, and insufficient monitoring and evaluation mechanisms emphasise the need to strengthen EBP’s effectiveness. Conclusion/Implications The study recommends incorporating evidence in every stage of policy making to enhance policy outcomes in countries like Bangladesh.