Does Pakistan’s appreciation of Bangladesh prove the country’s success story?

Excellent pieces complimenting Bangladesh’s economic model have been written in Pakistani media. Normally, praiseworthy contents about Bangladesh were not published in Pakistani media at the past. But this time, Pakistani media start to publish some good contents regarding Bangladesh and its leadership. This is the positive thing.  Bangladesh will be a South Asian economic marvel at the age of 51. Despite being a part of Pakistan, Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) has already outperformed Pakistan in practically every socio-cultural and economic indicator. That is what draws the attention of the world’s media, including Pakistan’s. Pakistan has begun to view Bangladesh favorably. In essence, rare praise from Pakistan is Bangladesh’s ultimate honor. The fact is that Bangladesh’s prosperity narrative is unstoppable. The statement is supported by the Pakistani media. When your opponent compliments you, you should consider yourself to be doing better. Bangladesh, in fact, has become a shining example of a South Asian economic miracle. Bangladesh’s economic growth has been praised by several countries and international organizations. In their stories, editorials, and opinions, even Pakistani media laud Bangladesh’s economic success.

Bangladesh recently celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence. The holiday was celebrated all over the country, from the capital to the smallest village. In their shows, many people discussed the country’s successes and achievements. In their editorial and opinion pages, Pakistani media outlets examined the subject. Some of these well written articles, which were just published, are particularly good. When national dailies write something on a topic, it sends a message to the entire country. Pakistani media is currently glorifying Bangladesh. The recognition of Bangladesh’s success story is a rare expression of Pakistani gratitude. They are recognizing the truth.

World Bank has published and catalogued an article titled ‘Unpacking silent economic revolution in Bangladesh’ at their website recently under the ICP (International comparison programme) articles 2022-21. The article was published originally in Pakistan’s internationally accepted prestigious weekly ‘ The Friday Times’ on March 02, 2022.

It is pertinent to mention that the ICP is one of the world’s largest statistical projects. It is supervised by the World Bank under the auspices of the United Nations Statistical Commission, and it is based on a partnership of international, regional, sub-regional, and national organizations that work under a strong governance structure and adhere to a set of statistical methodologies.

The article stated that ‘Bangladesh has been ahead of India in terms of GDP for two years in a row, but in several social metrics, Bangladesh has been ahead of India for seven years. Bangladeshi girls, for example, have a greater percentage of schooling and female birth than Indian girls. Bangladesh has lower baby and under-five mortality rates than India’ and this was possible for the courageous leadership of Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina.

Shazia Anwer Cheema, a Pakistani writer and analyst who contributes to national and international media sources. She is the director of the DND Thought Center. She writes in the respected Pakistani newspaper ‘Express Tribune’ in an article titled ‘MIPs: Can We Learn from Nepal and Bangladesh?’ that was published on December 29. Shouldn’t we take a look at Bangladesh and Nepal in our own backyard? MIPs have provided them with numerous advantages. According to the MIPs report on Bangladesh, Dhaka is on track to achieve middle-income expansion and to integrate economic growth with social presence.

The leading English daily in Pakistan, the ‘Daily Times,’ has hailed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Malika-e-Abida Khattak complimented Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s confidence, wisdom, and brave decision to fund the Padma Bridge building in an article.

‘The narrative of Bangladesh’s Padma Bridge: More than a Bridge?’ says the author of an article titled ‘The story of Bangladesh’s Padma Bridge: More than a Bridge?‘ She has raised a number of issues throughout the construction of the Padma Bridge, from the beginning to the end.

She stated that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as a symbol of Bangladesh’s progress, has set a pattern in the world by constructing infrastructure such as the Padma Bridge, demonstrating confidence and foresight. She stood firm in confronting the conspiracy that had spread during the bridge’s construction and establishing the truth.

Sheikh Hasina’s imaginative leadership is visible on the Padma Bridge. During her reign, the world was once again introduced to Bangladesh’s potential. Bangladesh is a country that has demonstrated its potential on numerous occasions.

The story goes on to say that the bridge is still being built, despite the fact that the Corona outbreak has begun. Sheikh Hasina’s unwavering determination ensured that the bridge’s construction was not halted for even a single day.

In the report, Malika-e-Abida Khattak also stated that the Bangladesh government handled several rumors about the bridge effectively.

Excellent pieces complimenting Bangladesh’s economic model have been written in Pakistani media. Bangladesh’s economic prosperity has also been lauded in Pakistani media.

Bangladesh will be a South Asian economic marvel at the age of 51. Despite the fact that Bangladesh was previously a part of Pakistan, it now outperforms Islamabad in practically every socio-cultural and economic metric.

That is the allure of Bangladesh in Pakistan today. The highest recognition for Bangladesh comes from Pakistan. The Pakistani media published some good articles praising Bangladesh’s achievements. One looked at how Bangladesh has enhanced its quality of life, economic strength, and educational and research opportunities. Even African countries are being advised to look to Bangladesh today.

They discussed how when Bangladesh became a free nation in 1971, it inherited a wrecked economy and a completely damaged infrastructure. In 1974, former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger referred to it as a “basket case.”

The sight of a phoenix rising from the ashes has surprised and pleased the world today. On January 8, 2021, ‘The Nation,’ one of Pakistan’s most respected and widely circulated national dailies, published an excellent piece headlined ‘Bangladesh’s thriving economic tale.’

It is the highest level of media acknowledgment in Pakistan. Bangladesh is on the correct track, according to the essay, and Pakistan should learn from Bangladesh in this regard.

Another prominent newspaper, ‘Pakistan Today,’ published an article headlined ‘Why and how is Bangladesh moving forward?’ that detailed how Bangladesh has now sent aid to Sri Lanka and Sudan using its foreign exchange reserves.

In 1974, it was dubbed a “basket case” by former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. The sight of a phoenix rising from the ashes has surprised and delighted the world.

On January 8, 2021, one of Pakistan’s most prominent and widely circulated national dailies, ‘The Nation,’ published an excellent piece headlined “Bangladesh’s blooming economic tale.”

It has received the highest level of media attention in Pakistan. Bangladesh is on the right track, according to the article, and Pakistan should learn from them.

Bangladesh has now granted help to Sri Lanka and Sudan from its foreign exchange reserves, according to an item in another popular newspaper, ‘Pakistan Today.’

It was argued that Bangladesh can teach South Asia a lot.

Israt Hossain, a former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, wrote an essay for Dawn, a famous Pakistani daily.

He expressed himself as follows: “Bangladesh’s tale has a lot of appeal. How can a country so prone to natural disasters beat its much larger, better-equipped neighbors – India and Pakistan – in almost every socioeconomic indicator?”

Bangladesh may lose out on being a middle-income country by 2024, according to ‘Pakistan Today,’ but big infrastructure projects such as the Padma Bridge, Karnafuli Tunnel, and Metro Rail might help it become a developed country by 2041. However, this will necessitate a stable development environment and competent leadership.

Mosharraf Zaidi of Pakistan’s ‘The News International’ released an essay comparing Bangladesh’s economic growth model to Pakistan’s.

Bangladesh inherited an economy in shambles and a crumbling infrastructure. Many economists and political leaders, including then-US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, referred to it as a “Bottomless Basket” in 1974.

Nobody thought Bangladesh could make it as an independent country financially. The phoenix emerging from the ashes has amazed and charmed the world today.

Bangladesh’s people have endured for years while the country has seen political ups and downs. However, the situation Sheikh Hasina is attempting to realize her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s, ambition of ushering in a “Golden Bengal.” Not only should Sheikh Hasina be praised, but so should Bangladesh’s hardworking people.

Of course, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made a significant contribution because the country would not have emerged as a rising star without capable, vibrant, and cautious leadership. She continues to work tirelessly to make Bangladesh affluent and developed by 2041.

Bangladesh, in fact, has become a shining example of a South Asian economic miracle. Bangladesh’s economic growth has been praised by several countries and international organizations.as suddenly altered. Bangladesh is now expanding and developing.

Abid Hasan, a Pakistani economist and former World Bank counsellor, published an article headlined “Aid from Bangladesh” in another renowned Pakistani newspaper, The News International. In his article, he predicted that by 2030, Pakistan would be needing financial assistance from Bangladesh. A Pakistani economist has given Bangladesh reluctant plaudits for its economic success.

Moonis Ahmar, a professor at the University of Karachi, wrote in the Express Tribune on March 21, 2021, “How and why is Bangladesh better off than Pakistan today?” that leadership, innovation, and planning were key factors in transforming Bangladesh from a “international beggar” to a “economically vibrant country.”

In many metrics, Bangladesh presently outperforms Pakistan. The fact that Pakistan is suddenly applauding Bangladesh is somewhat surprising.

Pakistan is 74 years old, despite the fact that Bangladesh is only 51 years old. Pakistan’s praise for Bangladesh, on the other hand, reflects both the country’s reality and success.

While the Pakistani media is now urging the government to follow Bangladesh’s lead, the fact that Bangladesh was formerly a part of Pakistan remains a sore topic.

In many indicators, Bangladesh now outperforms Pakistan. The fact that Pakistan is suddenly applauding Bangladesh is somewhat surprising. Pakistan is 74 years old, but Bangladesh is only 50 years old. Pakistan would have advanced further if it had not been economically exploited by Bangladesh for 24 years (1947-71). Pakistan’s praise for Bangladesh, on the other hand, reflects both the country’s reality and success.

Dr.Shakuntala Bhabani
Dr.Shakuntala Bhabani
Dr. Shakuntala Bhabani is a Kolkata-based educator ( Assistant Professor) and Southasian affairs researcher in the 'Political Science department at a Kolkata Honors College which is affiliated to the University of Calcutta. Her expertise areas include foreign relations in South Asia and Southeast Asia.