A welfare state is a system where the government provides social services like healthcare, unemployment benefits, and education to those in need using tax revenue. The concept originated in Europe in the 19th-20th centuries and spread to other nations. Characteristics include a mixed economy, social equality, government regulation of economic activities, and provision of public services and welfare for citizens and laborers. While welfare states aim to ensure security and equitable resource distribution, critics argue they can lead to high taxes and abuse of welfare systems. The document analyzes how Bangladesh partially exhibits characteristics of a welfare state by providing some public services but failing to ensure fully equal opportunity and wealth distribution.