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

Just a month after Nepal’s government was reshaped by the rise of Gen Z politicians, a Bangladesh-based activist named Umama Fatema reflected on the difference between the two nations. As the new prime minister, Balendra Shah, took office alongside a parliament filled with young representatives, Fatema felt a sense of longing. She had been part of the massive youth-led protests in Bangladesh in 2024 that forced a regime change, yet the fruits of their labor remained elusive. In Nepal, the movement culminated in a sweeping victory for the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), while in Bangladesh, the National Citizens’ Party (NCP)—founded by student protesters—struggled to make an impact in the recent elections.

Bangladesh’s first election following the 2024 demonstrations saw the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) reclaim a commanding majority, leaving the youth-driven NCP with limited influence. This outcome contrasts sharply with Nepal’s historic vote, where the RSP, a four-year-old party, surged ahead. The success of the Nepalese youth movement has been a rare example of generational activism translating into political power, a feat yet to be replicated in neighboring Bangladesh.

“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.”

Nepal’s youth leaders credit their triumph to the movement’s deep connection with the public. KP Khanal, a RSP candidate who won a seat in Kailali district, explained that the protests “tapped into a deep, long-standing frustration with the way things have been run.” The persistent demands for accountability and justice, he said, transformed the movement from a reaction to a credible force that resonated across society.

Analysts highlight Nepal’s political environment as a key factor. The country’s electoral system, which favors coalition governments, has historically prevented any single party from holding power for extended periods. Over 17 years, Nepal shifted through 14 administrations, with established parties and politicians cycling through roles in what critics called political musical chairs. This fragmentation made the RSP—a new party led by former rapper Rabi Lamichhane—appear as a fresh alternative, particularly after the BNP’s dominance was questioned.

The alliance between Balendra Shah and the RSP played a crucial role. Many youth activists, including protest leaders, joined Shah’s campaign, leveraging the party’s resources and reach. This partnership helped the RSP overcome earlier controversies, such as Lamichhane’s embezzlement allegations, by aligning with Shah’s charismatic appeal. “In a larger South Asian context, where party organisation is extremely important, a youth-led party would likely have to build an extensive structure before achieving widespread electoral success,” noted political analyst Amish Mulmi. For Yadav, a youth activist, the decision to launch a new party was a strategic move, but he cautioned that “winning an election is not a joke. Organising a movement and emerging victorious in an election are two different things.”