Two protests, two elections: How Nepal’s Gen Z succeeded where Bangladesh’s stumbled

Two protests, two elections: How Nepal’s Gen Z succeeded where Bangladesh’s stumbled

Just months after Nepal’s parliament elected a new prime minister, Balendra Shah, alongside a youthful legislative body, activist Umama Fatema from Bangladesh reflected on the disparity between her country’s protests and their outcomes. The 2024 demonstrations, which saw thousands of young people demand change, ended with the fall of the government. Yet, nearly two years later, the same movement has not translated into tangible political influence. In February’s first election following the protests, the long-standing Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a decisive majority, while the youth-driven National Citizens’ Party (NCP) struggled to make an impact.

From Street Protests to Parliamentary Success

Nepal, in contrast, has become a beacon of youth political empowerment. In a historic election held shortly after the protests, the four-year-old Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) swept the polls, sending a wave of Gen Z politicians into the legislature. This marked a significant shift, with former rapper Balendra Shah, who allied with the RSP, emerging as the nation’s leader. The success underscores a rare case where a youth-led movement in Asia has not only challenged the status quo but also reshaped governance.

“Personally, I felt disheartened. When I saw how effectively [the Nepalese youth] were able to organise themselves, I could not help but feel disappointed about the situation in our own country,” said Fatema. “Bangladesh has not been able to deliver such a change… it is naturally disheartening to realise that we have not been able to organise and rebuild our country in the same way.”

Why Nepal’s Youth Thrived, Bangladesh’s Did Not

Political analysts highlight the differing contexts that shaped the outcomes. In Nepal, the electoral system’s structure, which favours coalition governments, allowed the RSP to gain momentum. The country had endured 14 administrations in 17 years, with established parties and politicians alternating in power—a cycle seen as unstable and unresponsive by the public. This backdrop made the Gen Z protests, which focused on corruption and accountability, a powerful catalyst for change.

KP Khanal, a RSP representative, attributed the movement’s success to its deep connection with ordinary citizens. “The Gen Z protests tapped into a deep, long-standing frustration with the way things have been run,” he explained. “At the same time, the sacrifices and voices of Gen Z stayed with the public—they haven’t been forgotten.”

The alliance between Balendra Shah and the RSP proved pivotal. Many youth activists, including protest leaders, joined the party, leveraging its resources and reach to amplify their message. This collaboration helped the RSP overcome internal controversies, such as accusations of embezzlement against its leader, Rabi Lamichhane. Shah’s charisma and lack of entrenched party ties made him an appealing figure for voters seeking reform.

Structural Challenges for Youth Movements

Political analysts note that party organisation remains a critical factor in South Asia. Nitasha Kaul, from the University of Westminster, observed that in Nepal’s case, the discrediting of all three major parties created an opening for the RSP. “Since no single party dominated, the public’s anger was directed at the establishment, making the RSP—a relative newcomer—seem more credible,” she added.

“In a larger South Asian context, where party organisation is extremely important, a youth-led party would likely have to build an extensive party structure before it could achieve widespread electoral success, especially in its first outing,” said Nepalese political analyst Amish Mulmi.

Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, the absence of a similar structural shift left the youth movement struggling. Purushottam Suprabhat Yadav, a youth activist, acknowledged this when he declined to join a new party after the protests. “Winning an election is not a joke. Organising a movement and emerging victorious in an election are two different things,” he remarked.