How youths toppled govts in Nepal and Bangladesh

Uprisings in Bangladesh and Nepal have revealed the real power of youth and the military’s role vis-à-vis the future of democracy

THE WORLDVIEW
September 12, 2025

 IN recent months, Nepal and Bangladesh have borne witness to a phenomenon that has echoed across their streets and social media platforms — a groundswell of youthful voices rising against entrenched governments. Like twin storms born of similar currents yet striking distinct shores, these upheavals challenge us to reconsider the anatomy of political change in our times.

At first glance, the recent fall of Nepal’s government and that of Bangladesh last year might appear as isolated national dramas. Yet a closer examination reveals an uncanny symmetry: two governments, long dominant yet increasingly isolated, toppled not by elites or external forces but by a generation wielding hashtags as their banners and streets as their amphitheatres.

Let’s analyse how these parallel revolutions unfolded, the underlying grievances that fuelled them, and what their aftermath portends for South Asia’s democratic futures.

YOUTHS pose for the camera as Nepal’s Parliament House burns in the background

 The youth scorned

Both in Nepal and Bangladesh, the clarion call for change found its loudest echo among the young — a demographic typically dismissed by established power centres, yet now undeniably potent. Bangladesh’s unrest ignited over a government quota system reserving positions for war veterans’ descendants, a policy many saw as a vestige of privilege choking meritocracy. What began as a protest against perceived inequalities soon ballooned into a nationwide clamour for accountability and reform.

Nepal’s spark was seemingly of a different hue — a government ban on popular social media platforms that felt both abrupt and authoritarian. Yet beneath this ban lay deeper frustrations: endemic corruption, nepotism, and economic stagnation that left the aspirations of millions unfulfilled. Phrases like ‘nepo kids’ became rallying cries, encapsulating the public’s sense that power was hoarded by an elite minority.

These protests were no mere episodes of youthful angst; they were transformational movements, expertly harnessing digital tools to organise and amplify their demands. They transcended urban boundaries, spanning villages and towns, weaving a complex tapestry of resistance across both nations.

What began on peaceful sidewalks soon turned into volatile confrontations as the forces of order met the protesters with varying degrees of force. The resulting clashes were tragic, with dozens losing their lives, underscoring the high stakes of these popular uprisings.

In the heart of this turbulence, the leaders of both nations found their authority eroding rapidly. Nepal’s K.P. Sharma Oli and Bangladesh’s Sheikh Hasina, each long-time stalwarts of their political landscapes, were compelled to relinquish their positions following counsel from their respective military establishments. Notably, in both crises, the military refrained from harsh crackdowns on civilians — a departure from history’s brutal suppressions — and instead facilitated a path for political transition.

The roots of discontent

Beyond the immediate causes and clashes lies a shared repository of grievances deeply etched into the socio-political fabric. Both governments faced widespread accusations of nepotism and a lack of transparency. Bangladesh’s quota system was seen as an unfair gatekeeping mechanism, perpetuating privilege rather than fairness. In Nepal, accusations centred on a ruling class accused of favouring insiders and undermining democratic processes.

A further common thread was the authoritarian style of governance, marked by the suppression of dissent, manipulation of state resources, and a weakening of institutional checks and balances. These factors alienated not just opposition parties but a growing youth population increasingly intolerant of exclusion and corruption.

Economic hardship played a catalytic role as well. High unemployment, particularly among educated youth, and limited opportunities compounded feelings of disenfranchisement, driving more people into the streets. For many, the political struggle was inseparable from their economic survival.

The military’s calculated silence

The restraint exercised by the armed forces during these upheavals was critical. Instead of direct repression, the military opted for a measured stance that allowed civilian protests to surge while ultimately nudging political leadership to step down. This cautious intervention helped avoid deeper bloodshed, but it also highlighted the delicate and potentially fraught relationship between military influence and democratic governance in both countries.

The demise of the two governments showcased the vulnerabilities of democratic institutions in South Asia when confronted by prolonged autocracy. Both had been criticised for eroding freedoms and failing to adapt to a population hungry for participation. Their fall is thus emblematic of a broader contest between authoritarian retreat and democratic assertion.

As Nepal and Bangladesh navigate their transitional phases, the pressure mounts to construct governance frameworks that are inclusive, transparent, and responsive. The powerful youth-led protests have established a new political reality — one where legitimacy stems from genuine consent and accountability, not merely electoral mechanics or entrenched power.

The new dawn

The fall of governments in Nepal and Bangladesh signals a transformative shift in South Asian political culture where young people, empowered by connectivity and disillusioned by inequality, challenge decades-old structures of privilege. This generation’s revolt for fairness and dignity, against nepotism and authoritarian control, has not only changed leaders but altered the very contours of political engagement.

These events remind us that political power ultimately rests not on tradition or force alone but on the dynamic and evolving consent of the governed. The stories of Nepal and Bangladesh serve as poignant chapters in a larger narrative of youthful insurrection and democratic yearning in the 21st century.