Bangladesh Health Watch (BHW), a citizens’ platform was established in 2006 dedicated to improve the health system in Bangladesh through evidence-based critical review of policies and programmes, and recommend appropriate actions for change. In the health sector, a strong civil society voice has the potential to influence and positively impact on social exclusion and health inequity through stronger participation, active monitoring and increased accountability and transparency. It can also play a role in refocusing healthcare systems according to health rights and social welfare goals to impact quality of life of the citizens and also provide citizens the power, especially the marginalized and poor, to influence policy decisions.