From Streets to State Power: Two Different Stories of Gen Z Politics in Nepal and Bangladesh
Laboni Akter Kobita
Gen Z is a generation that has suddenly reshaped the political landscape of the world. Recently, in countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Kenya, Indonesia, and Thailand, the influence of Gen Z in politics has created significant momentum. Among them, the Gen Z populations of Bangladesh and Nepal did not remain confined to the streets; rather, they moved from the streets to state power.
However, despite being the same generation, there is a vast difference in the power struggle between the two countries. One reflects remarkable success, while the other remains largely silent.
Nepal is a country that, much like Bangladesh, has endured years of injustice. Elite politics and corruption in Nepal created deep dissatisfaction among the people. As a result, a Gen Z-led uprising began in September last year. The movement was primarily triggered when 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube, were declared banned, prompting Gen Z to take to the streets. In several cities, protests turned intense, many structures were set on fire, and incidents of ministers and political leaders being attacked in public were reported.
After former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as the Prime Minister of an interim government, the situation gradually stabilized.
Eventually, national elections were held in Nepal on March 5. A total of 65 political parties contested for 165 seats. Political analysts had doubts that any single party would secure a majority. No one had anticipated that the newly formed Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by former rapper Balen Shah, would emerge as a leading force in the parliamentary elections. Yet, that is exactly what happened.
Balen Shah, one of the prominent figures of Nepal’s Gen Z movement, led his party to a near two-thirds majority and became the youngest Prime Minister of Nepal. His overwhelming popularity among Gen Z voters played a crucial role in securing this victory.
In contrast, a similar scenario unfolded in Bangladesh, but with a different outcome. In 2024, a massive movement led to the fall of autocratic rule under Sheikh Hasina. An interim government took charge, and a new Gen Z political party was formed. Initially, the party enjoyed soaring popularity. Later, on February 12, the 13th National Parliamentary Election of Bangladesh was held.
Like Nepal, one party secured a significant majority and formed the government. However, unlike Nepal, that party was not a Gen Z-led party.
Although Bangladesh’s Gen Z-affiliated party, known as NCP, achieved some electoral success, it was far less significant compared to Nepal. This raises an important question: where did things go wrong? Was it a lack of political foresight among new leaders, or compromises made in the pursuit of power through alliances?
The writer is a student of Public Administration at Jagannath University. She can be reached at Email: laboniakterkobita6@gmail.com
