When Pakistan came into being, its eastern wing contained the majority of its population. In the 1951 census, East Pakistan had about 42 million people against 34 million in West Pakistan. By 1971, the populations were roughly 65–70 million and 60 million respectively. More than half a century later, the relationship has reversed: Bangladesh has approximately 176 million people, while Pakistan has about 255 million. More striking is what has happened economically and socially.

Despite assassinations, military coups, dynastic politics and repeated unrest, Bangladesh has made  remarkable progress. Its GDP stands at approximately $511 billion against Pakistan's $452 billion, while GDP  per capita is about $2,960 compared with $1,901 in Pakistan. The difference extends well beyond GDP. Bangladesh ranks 130 on the Human Development Index against Pakistan at 168. Adult literacy is around 79% versus 59%; infant mortality 24 deaths per 1,000 live births versus 48; maternal mortality 115 per 100,000 versus 155; and life expectancy about 75 years versus 68.

How did two countries that shared the same state until 1971, inherited many of the same institutions and experienced many similar political disruptions produce such different outcomes? There are many explanations, but one difference in the structure of government deserves greater attention in Pakistan. Bangladesh does not have powerful provincial governments sitting between the federation and districts as Pakistan does. It has administrative divisions and districts followed by elected local-government institutions, including Upazila and Union Parishads. Reforms have transferred national funds........

© The Friday Times