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
Last month, Nepal marked a significant political shift with the swearing-in of its new prime minister, Balendra Shah, and a parliament dominated by young lawmakers. In contrast, Bangladeshi activist Umama Fatema watched from a distance, feeling a sense of loss as her nation’s youth-led protests failed to translate into lasting power. Fatema was part of the thousands of Gen Z demonstrators in Bangladesh who had toppled their government in 2024. Despite their bold actions, nearly two years later, the movement has not secured meaningful influence in the country’s first post-protest elections held in February.
While the Nepalese youth movement led to a landmark victory for the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), a four-year-old group, Bangladesh’s new youth-led National Citizens’ Party (NCP) struggled to make an impact. The BNP, a long-standing political force, emerged as the dominant party, securing a historic majority. This outcome highlights the stark difference between the two nations, where Nepal’s young activists have transformed into elected officials, while Bangladesh’s efforts remain stalled.
Key to Nepal’s triumph: Organizing and staying consistent
Nepalese youth leaders credit their success to a movement that deeply connected with the public. KP Khanal, a candidate for the RSP in Kailali district, explained,
“The Gen Z protests tapped into a deep, long-standing frustration with the way things have been run.”
The sustained focus on accountability and justice, he added, helped the movement evolve from a reaction to a credible force that people began to trust and support.
Analysts point to Nepal’s political environment as a major factor. The country’s electoral system favors coalition governments, leaving no single party in power for extended periods. Over 17 years, Nepal saw 14 governments, with established parties and politicians rotating leadership in a cycle critics called political musical chairs. This context made the RSP, a relative newcomer, appear more appealing to voters disillusioned with the status quo.
Bangladesh’s challenge: Building structure in a competitive arena
Political analyst Amish Mulmi noted,
“In a larger South Asian context, where party organization is extremely important, a youth-led party would likely have to build an extensive structure before achieving widespread success.”
The RSP’s alliance with Balendra Shah, a charismatic leader without an organized party, helped bridge the gap. This partnership not only gave the RSP resources for its campaign but also mitigated concerns about the party’s leader, Rabi Lamichhane, who had faced embezzlement accusations.
Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, some activists like Purushottam Suprabhat Yadav remained cautious. When asked to launch a new party after the 2024 protests, Yadav hesitated.
“Winning an election is not a joke. Organizing a movement and emerging victorious in an election are two different things,”
he said, emphasizing the need for solid political infrastructure to sustain momentum. The NCP’s struggles underscore the challenges Gen Z movements face in countries where traditional parties hold entrenched power.
