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
Nepal’s Youth Movement Transforms into Political Power
Just months after Nepal elected a new prime minister, Balendra Shah, and a parliament with a majority of young lawmakers, Bangladeshi activist Umama Fatema felt a sense of disillusionment. Watching from a distance, she reflected on the 2024 protests that had shaken her nation. Though both movements ousted their governments through fervent demonstrations, Nepal’s youth now hold significant influence in politics, while Bangladesh’s efforts have not yet translated into meaningful power.
In February’s first post-protest elections, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a decisive victory, overshadowing the National Citizens’ Party (NCP). The NCP, born from student-led uprisings, struggled to gain traction. Conversely, Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), a four-year-old entity, dominated the polls, sending numerous Gen Z politicians to parliament. This shift marked a rare instance where a youth-driven movement directly reshaped governance, standing out in Asia’s political landscape.
“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.”
Structural Differences Shape Outcomes
Nepal’s success may stem from its electoral system, which encourages coalition governments. For years, no single party has ruled by majority, leading to frequent shifts in leadership. This environment allowed the Gen Z protests to target entrenched power structures, making the RSP—a newcomer—seem more credible. As Nitasha Kaul, director of the Centre for the Study of Democracy at the University of Westminster, noted: “Since all three established parties, none dominant, were discredited, the main beneficiary has been the youthful RSP and its leader.”
The alliance between Balendra Shah and the RSP also played a role. Many youth activists joined the party, leveraging its resources and reach for electoral campaigns. This partnership helped the RSP overcome past controversies, such as accusations against its leader, Rabi Lamichhane. Shah, a charismatic figure without a formal party, became a unifying symbol, drawing public support.
Challenges in Bangladesh’s Transition
Analysts suggest that Bangladesh’s youth movement faces hurdles due to its political framework. In a region where party organization is critical, a youth-led party would need to build extensive infrastructure before achieving electoral success, especially in its debut. “Winning an election is not a joke. Organising a movement and emerging victorious in an election are two different things,” remarked Purushottam Suprabhat Yadav, a youth activist who initially resisted forming a new party.
Despite initial momentum, the protests in Bangladesh have yet to solidify into lasting political change. While the Nepalese youth’s consistent messaging on accountability and justice resonated with voters, their counterparts in Bangladesh have struggled to maintain that momentum. The contrast highlights how structural and strategic factors can determine the trajectory of grassroots movements.
