Changing the Fortunes of Sick Neighbor Nations - Pakistan and Bangladesh

 A person has been shamed consistently, he doesn’t change; a person has been proven wrong a number of times, still he doesn’t change; a person has been his greedy best, still he doesn’t change; a person complains of problems consistently, still he doesn’t change the way he lives; a person lives with deep financial troubles, still he doesn’t change. If there is a name of a country with similar traits to the person, the country can be called Pakistan. Despite being an integral part of India since the historic times, the country hasn’t evolved much. The country didn’t change its stance on the problem of the times even a bit. As a result, Kashmir has become a territorial dispute for a very long time between two divided nations belonging to a single parent. The country has been proven wrong for a number of times for promoting violence and terrorism and yet didn’t change itself even a bit. The country has been on a path of nowhere and yet hasn’t transformed a bit. The recent hosting of champions trophy has been a case of country failing to reach anywhere close to being called a good cricketing nation while hosting a major tournament. In these depressing times, if not for great leadership, India might have slided similarly. Once again, the great leadership which India has been enjoying has come to its rescue to wither a lot of compressing factors. But the similar third world countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh have nearly failed to stand the test of times. In the holy month of Ramzan, I am concerned about the state of muslims in the neighboring nations of India – Pakistan and Bangladesh. Muslims must learn how to cope with all the ongoing externalities and emerge stronger. Else it would only point to a state of all doom and gloom. 

Once again, the hosting of champions trophy by Pakistan is a case in the point. The country didn’t secure a single victory in the tournament despite hosting a big tournament in three decades and being a major cricketing nation. Similar to India, cricket is not just a sport in Pakistan—it's a national passion and a major unifying force in the country. But the country emerged to be reaching nowhere when its best moment to prove its prowess has arrived. It fell flat with reports suggesting that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) incurred a massive loss of approximately USD 85 million (around INR 869 crore) with hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This was primarily due to high costs associated with upgrading stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, which exceeded the anticipated budget by 50%. Despite these investments, the revenue generated from ticket sales and sponsorships was minimal. To add to insult, India refused to travel to Pakistan and played all its matches in Dubai where it won every match handsomely and lifted the trophy. If I am a Pakistani fan, I might feel good that neighbor country won but would feel hopeless about how the home nation hosted, treated, watched and played in the tournament. The rise of one nation should not offset another country and should not come at its cost. Pakistan could have convinced India to play in its home, Pakistan could have better prepared and played better cricket, Pakistan could have pulled audience to the stadiums and generated revenue and Pakistan could have worked with fervor and enthusiasm to make an imprint when given an opportunity. It could have lifted the nation at large. 

The same is the case with Bangladesh where the people revolted against the ruling government through large scale protests. These demonstrations, which began in mid-2024, were sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with the government led by Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party. The protests were multifaceted, involving various groups with different grievances and demands, and they culminated in the resignation of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. The protests were initially triggered by the reinstatement of a controversial quota system in public service jobs, which many saw as discriminatory and unjust. However, the movement quickly grew to encompass broader issues, including corruption, economic inequality, and authoritarian governance. Students, civil society groups, and opposition parties played a significant role in organizing and sustaining the protests. The protesters accused the government of suppressing dissent and violating human rights. Reports of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and torture fueled public anger. Security forces used tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to disperse crowds, resulting in significant casualties. According to reports, over 1,400 people were killed, including children, and thousands were injured. The protests ultimately led to the leader’s resignation and the formation of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. It tells the country has become a melting pot simmering a lot of anger for its government. The country couldn’t take the rule of the regime any longer and fell into a chaos and instability. A strong leadership could have guided the populace well and led the people wisely. 

I would touch upon more reasons of gloom in these two neighboring states which have emerged recently. Pakistan and Bangladesh, two major Muslim-majority nations in South Asia, have been facing significant struggles in recent years. While Pakistan grapples with economic instability, political turmoil, and challenges to its financial health, Bangladesh has been dealing with civil unrest, governance issues, and economic slowdowns. These crises raise concerns about the well-being of their citizens and highlight the broader need for improved opportunities and avenues for Muslims worldwide. 

One of the major struggles for both Pakistan and Bangladesh in recent years has been economic instability. Pakistan's economy has been under severe strain due to high inflation, a depreciating currency, and mounting external debt. The IMF bailout packages and fiscal mismanagement have further exacerbated economic hardships. One of the key challenges is its high external debt burden, which has ballooned over the years due to borrowing to finance budget deficits and development projects. This heavy reliance on debt servicing consumes a significant portion of government revenue, limiting the funds available for critical infrastructure and social programs. Inflation is another major concern, as rising prices for essential goods and services erode the purchasing power of the average citizen. Food and energy inflation, in particular, have had a direct impact on the living standards of millions, contributing to widespread economic insecurity. Rising energy costs, food inflation, and a shrinking industrial base have placed immense pressure on ordinary Pakistanis. 

Bangladesh, once hailed as an economic success story due to its booming textile industry, has faced economic slowdowns in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted its supply chains, leading to job losses and declining exports. 

Both Pakistan and Bangladesh have been plagued by political instability, which has had a direct impact on governance and development. In Pakistan, the political landscape remains highly volatile. Frequent leadership changes, allegations of electoral fraud, and civil-military tensions have led to an uncertain political environment. The removal of Prime Minister Imran Khan, followed by legal battles and protests, has created a cycle of instability. The government’s inability to ensure political stability has hindered economic progress and led to an increase in public dissatisfaction. Bangladesh, on the other hand, has seen a rise in authoritarian governance and widespread protests upended the same. 

Beyond Pakistan and Bangladesh, the struggles faced by these nations highlight broader issues confronting Muslim communities worldwide. Many Muslim-majority countries experience economic disparity, political instability, and social unrest. The need for better educational opportunities, economic empowerment, and strong leadership is paramount. Muslim communities worldwide can benefit from stronger collaboration in trade, education, and technology. Investing in youth, improving governance, and fostering innovation can help address challenges in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other Muslim nations. 

To overcome their struggles, these nations must prioritize several key areas.  

1. Economic Reforms: Both nations must focus on sustainable economic policies, industrial diversification, and foreign investment to boost their economies. 

2. Political Stability: Strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring free and fair elections, and reducing political conflicts can lead to better governance. 

3. Social Development: Addressing issues like unemployment, education, and healthcare can improve living conditions and reduce civil unrest. 

4. International Collaboration: Strengthening trade relations and alliances with other Muslim-majority countries and global partners can bring economic and diplomatic benefits. 

5. Educational and Technological Growth: Fostering innovation and education can empower the younger generation and create long-term solutions for economic and social progress. 

Pakistan and Bangladesh face significant challenges that require urgent attention. While economic struggles, political instability, and social unrest persist, there are opportunities for growth and improvement. By focusing on economic reforms, good governance and other forward-thinking objectives these nations can overcome their struggles and create better avenues for their citizens. The broader Muslim world must also collaborate to address common challenges and foster progress in the global Muslim community. As a vital neighbor, India cannot allow its neighbors to fail in these times. Providing all kind of assistance and looking for their growth stories should go hand in hand with the growth of India. Else the next-door disease will soon spread within. It is in the best interest that stronger and positive Muslims create a strong, unified and positive world. There is no better time than the holy month of Ramzan to rededicate for the just cause.