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’s new prime minister Balendra Shah took office alongside a parliament brimming with young representatives. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi activist Umama Fatema observed the developments from a distance, feeling a sense of regret. Fatema was part of the thousands of Gen Z demonstrators in Bangladesh who drove their government from power in 2024. Similar to their Nepalese peers, they staged powerful uprisings that reshaped the political landscape. Yet, nearly two years later, Bangladesh’s youth movement has not translated into significant political influence. In February’s first post-protest elections, the established Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a decisive majority, while the newly formed youth-led National Citizens’ Party (NCP) struggled to make an impact.

Nepal, in contrast, witnessed a transformative electoral outcome just a month after its protests. The four-year-old Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), closely linked to the youth-led demonstrations, achieved an overwhelming victory. This success propelled a wave of Gen Z politicians into parliament and elevated Balendra Shah, who allied with the RSP, to leadership. The event marks a rare case of young protesters translating their activism into political power in Asia, where other movements have often failed to do so.

“Personally, I felt disheartened. When I saw how effectively [the Nepalese youth] organised, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed about our own country’s situation,” said Fatema. “Bangladesh hasn’t delivered the same kind of change… it’s naturally disheartening to realise we haven’t managed to rebuild our nation in the same way.”

Key to Nepal’s success: Consistency and resonance

Nepalese youth leaders credit their movement’s triumph to its deep connection with the public. KP Khanal, a RSP candidate who won a seat in Kailali district, explained, “The Gen Z protests addressed a deep, enduring frustration with governance practices. At the same time, the sacrifices and voices of young activists stayed with the people—they haven’t been forgotten.”

Consistency in messaging also played a role. The youth movement repeatedly focused on accountability and justice, gradually transforming their demands from reactive calls into a credible, widely supported cause. This sustained effort helped them gain traction in a country where coalition politics has long dominated.

Analysts highlight Nepal’s unique political environment as a critical factor. The electoral system, designed to promote coalition governments, has historically prevented any single party from holding power for extended periods. Over 17 years, the nation saw 14 administrations, with established parties and politicians cycling through leadership, often seen as political playthings. This context made the public’s frustration with corruption more targeted, positioning the RSP—a relative newcomer—as a compelling alternative.

“In Nepal’s case, since all three major parties lacked dominance, the Gen Z movement’s energy became a key force,” noted Nitasha Kaul, director of the Centre for the Study of Democracy at the University of Westminster. The alliance between Balendra Shah and the RSP, along with many youth leaders joining the party, provided the necessary resources for a successful campaign. This partnership also helped the RSP overcome accusations of embezzlement, as Shah’s charismatic appeal drew voters who might have otherwise overlooked his party’s past issues.

Challenges in Bangladesh: Structure and strategy

Nepal’s political analyst Amish Mulmi pointed out the importance of party organisation in South Asia. “A youth-led party would need to build a strong structure before achieving electoral success, especially in its debut,” he said. This insight aligns with the experience of Purushottam Suprabhat Yadav, a youth activist who initially hesitated to launch a new party. When asked by friends to do so after the 2024 protests, Yadav declined, stating, “Winning an election isn’t a joke. Organising a movement and securing a win are two distinct challenges.”

While Bangladesh’s youth movement succeeded in toppling the old regime, its struggle to form a cohesive political entity has hindered its progress. The BNP’s stronghold in the February elections underscores the difficulty of displacing entrenched parties without a comparable organisational foundation. Nepal’s RSP, however, leveraged the momentum of the protests and strategic alliances to rise swiftly, offering a blueprint for how youth activism can evolve into tangible political authority.