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

Contrasting Outcomes in Youth Movements

Last month, Nepal celebrated the inauguration of its new prime minister, Balendra Shah, alongside a parliament filled with young representatives. Meanwhile, Umama Fatema, a Bangladeshi activist, felt a sense of letdown as she observed the developments from a distance. Fatema was part of the thousands of Gen Z demonstrators in Bangladesh who ousted their government through passionate rallies. Yet, nearly two years later, Bangladesh’s youth-led movement has not translated into tangible political influence. In February’s first election after the protests, the established Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a dominant majority, while the youth-driven National Citizens’ Party (NCP) struggled to make an impact.

Nepal, on the other hand, recently held an election that marked a turning point. The four-year-old Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) swept the polls, bringing Gen Z leaders into the legislature. This victory positioned former rapper Shah, who partnered with the RSP, as Nepal’s prime minister. It stands out as a rare example in Asia where youth protests have not only reshaped politics but also delivered real power to the younger generation. “I felt disheartened,” Fatema said. “When I saw how effectively the Nepalese youth organized themselves, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed about our own country’s progress.”

Key Factors Behind Nepal’s Success

Nepalese youth leaders credit their movement’s resonance with ordinary citizens for its electoral triumph. KP Khanal, an RSP candidate who won a seat in Kailali district, emphasized that the protests “connected with a deep frustration over how the system had been managed.” The sustained focus on accountability and justice, he added, transformed the movement into something credible and widely embraced.

Analysts also highlight Nepal’s political landscape as a critical factor. The country’s electoral system favors coalition governments, making it rare for any single party to hold power for long. Over 17 years, Nepal saw 14 administrations, driven by shifting alliances between a few dominant parties. This instability allowed the Gen Z protests to target the establishment directly, elevating the RSP—a newcomer—as a fresh alternative. “Since all three major parties lacked clear authority, the youth-led RSP emerged as the main beneficiary,” noted Nitasha Kaul of the University of Westminster’s Centre for the Study of Democracy.

The RSP’s alliance with Shah further bolstered its success. While the party’s leader, Rabi Lamichhane, faced embezzlement allegations, the partnership with Shah, a charismatic figure without a formal party structure, helped overcome skepticism. “In South Asia, where party organization is vital, a youth-led group must build extensive networks before achieving electoral breakthroughs,” said political analyst Amish Mulmi. This aligns with the experience of Purushottam Suprabhat Yadav, a youth activist who declined to join a new party after the protests. “Winning an election isn’t a joke,” Yadav remarked. “Organizing a movement and succeeding in a vote are two distinct challenges.”

While Nepal’s youth movement capitalized on systemic weaknesses and strategic alliances, Bangladesh’s NCP still faces hurdles. The disparity underscores how political structures and organizational strength can determine whether protests lead to power or remain symbolic. For now, Nepal’s story offers a blueprint for others, proving that youth activism can reshape governance when combined with effective strategy and public trust.