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 the beginning of a new era with the swearing-in of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, alongside a parliament led by a generation of young lawmakers. Across the border, Bangladeshi activist Umama Fatema watched the developments with a sense of regret, reflecting on her role in the 2024 Gen Z-led protests that had toppled her nation’s government. Despite similar grassroots momentum, Bangladesh’s youth movement has struggled to translate its energy into lasting political influence. In contrast, Nepal’s youth-driven campaign has yielded tangible results, with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) securing a decisive electoral win.
The Divide in Outcomes
Bangladesh’s first post-protest elections in February 2024 saw the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) reclaim a dominant majority, while the National Citizens’ Party (NCP)—born from the student-led revolution—faced a stark decline. This outcome contrasts sharply with Nepal’s experience, where the RSP’s four-year-old presence in politics culminated in a sweeping victory. The shift in power not only brought Gen Z politicians into parliament but also elevated Balendra Shah, a former rapper, to leadership through his alliance with the RSP.
“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 Umama 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.”
Nepal’s Youthful Victory
Gen Z protesters in Nepal achieved remarkable cohesion, aligning their cause with the frustrations of ordinary citizens. KP Khanal, a RSP representative elected in Kailali district, highlighted this connection: “The protests tapped into a deep, long-standing frustration with the way things have been run.” The movement’s sustained focus on accountability and justice helped solidify public trust, transforming it from a reactive force into a credible political entity.
Analysts note that Nepal’s political landscape—marked by a fragmented system favoring coalition governments—played a crucial role. Over 17 years, the country had seen 14 administrations, with power rotating among established parties and politicians. This instability allowed the Gen Z-led RSP to emerge as a fresh alternative, symbolising change that resonated with voters.
“In Nepal’s case, since all three established parties, none dominant, were discredited, the main beneficiary has been the youthful RSP and its leader,” observed Nitasha Kaul, director of the Centre for the Study of Democracy at the University of Westminster.
The Challenge of Transition
While Nepal’s youth movement capitalized on the political vacuum, Bangladesh’s efforts faced hurdles. The RSP’s alliance with Shah provided critical resources, helping it overcome internal controversies. Yet, in a broader South Asian context, analysts argue that party organisation remains vital. “A youth-led party would likely have to build an extensive structure before achieving widespread electoral success, especially in its first campaign,” noted Nepalese political analyst Amish Mulmi.
Gen Z activist Purushottam Suprabhat Yadav, who initially declined to join the new party, underscored the complexity of the transition. “Winning an election is not a joke. Organising a movement and emerging victorious in an election are two different things,” he remarked, reflecting on the challenges of turning protest into political power.
