Research findings only matter if they reach decision-makers. In Bangladesh’s development sector, policy briefs are essential tools for translating evidence into action. Here’s how to write ones that get read.

Know Your Audience

Before writing, understand who will read your brief:

  • Ministerial officials: Need big-picture implications and budget considerations
  • Development partners: Want alignment with SDGs and existing programs
  • NGO leadership: Focus on implementation feasibility
  • Media: Seek newsworthy angles and quotable statistics

Each audience needs different framing of the same findings.

Structure That Works

A policy brief is not a condensed research paper. Use this structure:

Executive Summary (1 paragraph): The key finding and primary recommendation. Many readers stop here.

Context (2-3 paragraphs): Why this issue matters now. Reference current policy discussions or recent events.

Key Findings (3-5 bullet points): Focus on what’s new or surprising. Use numbers strategically.

Policy Recommendations (3-4 specific actions): Make them concrete and actionable. “Expand the social safety net” is vague. “Increase the Vulnerable Group Feeding program to cover flood-affected households in [specific districts]” is actionable.

Implementation Considerations: Acknowledge costs, timeline, and potential obstacles.

Writing Tips

  1. Lead with conclusions - Don’t build suspense; policymakers will stop reading
  2. Use plain language - No jargon, no complex sentences
  3. Visualize data - One good chart beats paragraphs of statistics
  4. Keep it short - 4 pages maximum, ideally 2
  5. Include your contact - Make it easy for readers to follow up

Timing Matters

The best policy brief is useless if it arrives after decisions are made. Track the policy calendar—budget cycles, parliamentary sessions, and ministerial meetings—to time your release effectively.

Remember: the goal isn’t to showcase your research complexity. It’s to inform decisions that improve people’s lives.