In the light of Article 15 (d) of the Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, this Department is recognized as a pioneer in playing an important role in implementing the intentions of the Government to fulfill the constitutional obligations for the various backward classes of the country. The role of this department in introducing old age allowance, widow and husband abandonment distressed women allowance, allowance for indigent persons with disabilities, education stipend for students with disabilities, freedom fighter honorarium allowance, natural disaster and risk management program etc. is widely appreciated in the country and abroad.

The Probation of Offenders Ordinance in 1980, the Registration and Control Ordinance in 1981, the Nomads and Homeless Persons (Rehabilitation) Act in 2013, the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2013 to bring various programs under institutional and sustainable status and state responsibilities. It has been responsible for formulating and implementing a significant number of laws and policies, including the Special Benefits Act for women convicted in prisons.

This department is working relentlessly for the implementation of various national and international charters or conventions including the United Nations. It is playing an active role in the implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, etc. Initially working with a Welfare Approach, the Department is now pursuing new activities with a Right Based and Empowerment Approach.

By implementing a significant number of development projects and programs, the department is expanding its reach to the target population and setting a unique example of public-private partnership (limited government support for private sector projects). The department has self-interested efforts in conducting advocacy activities by celebrating various nationally and internationally recognized days and years.

The Hon'ble Prime Minister of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh declared January 2 as 'National Social Service Day' at the inauguration of Samajseva Bhaban in 1999 to encourage the social workers engaged in this huge work in terms of social philosophy and development strategy. The cabinet meeting on June 4, 2012 declared January 2 as 'National Social Service Day' and listed the day as 'B' category. By celebrating this day, new momentum and vitality has come in the social service program and the social workers have been energized.