In recent years, South Asia has witnessed a series of uprisings that, while rooted in distinct national contexts, share common themes of youth-led activism, demands for accountability, and responses to systemic issues. The uprisings in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, though separated by time and specific grievances, collectively underscore the growing discontent among the youth in the region and their willingness to challenge entrenched political systems.
In Nepal, the catalyst for the 2025 protests was the government’s decision to ban several social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube. This move was perceived as an infringement on free expression and transparency, especially as the youth were already disillusioned with widespread corruption and economic disparity. The protests, primarily led by Generation Z, quickly escalated into violent clashes that resulted in at least 34 deaths and over 1,300 injuries. The unrest led to the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and the collapse of the constitutional government, leaving a power vacuum. In an unprecedented move, the youth activists turned to ChatGPT to help choose an interim leader, reflecting their innovative approach to activism. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki emerged as a front-runner candidate endorsed by youth leaders, though constitutional questions remained, and some protest factions were not fully united on her candidacy.
In Bangladesh, the 2024 July Revolution was sparked by the reinstatement of a controversial quota system that reserved 30% of government positions for descendants of freedom fighters. This decision was perceived as discriminatory and politicized, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. Protests escalated when police and ruling party supporters attacked students peacefully protesting the quotas, resulting in numerous casualties. The movement gained momentum as it expanded beyond student groups to include various segments of society. Protesters demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the dismantling of the quota system. The unrest led to significant political upheaval, with over 500 police stations attacked and widespread lawlessness. The aftermath saw the collapse of the Awami League’s political dominance and a shift towards a more decentralized political landscape.
Sri Lanka’s Aragalaya movement, which began in early 2022, was fueled by severe economic hardships, including widespread shortages of fuel, food, and medicine, as well as rising prices. The public’s frustration reached a boiling point due to the government’s mismanagement and corruption, particularly under the Rajapaksa administration. Mass protests erupted across the country, leading to the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The movement was characterized by its broad-based participation, with people from various walks of life coming together to demand political change. Despite the initial success in ousting the leadership, the country continued to face significant challenges, including economic instability and a lack of effective governance.
Despite their unique triggers and national contexts, the uprisings in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka share several common themes. In all three countries, young people played a pivotal role in the uprisings, utilizing digital platforms to organize and mobilize. The central grievances in each movement were perceptions of widespread corruption and economic inequality, leading to demands for greater accountability and transparency. Each uprising resulted in significant political changes, including the resignation or ousting of key leaders and the destabilization of established political structures.
However, there are also notable differences among the movements. While Nepal’s unrest was sparked by a social media ban, Bangladesh’s protests were ignited by a controversial quota system, and Sri Lanka’s movement was driven by economic collapse. The government responses also varied: Nepal’s government attempted to suppress dissent through digital censorship, Bangladesh’s authorities responded with violent crackdowns, and Sri Lanka’s leadership faced mass resignations amid widespread protests. The outcomes of the uprisings also differ: Nepal is currently navigating a power vacuum with the military in control, Bangladesh has seen a shift towards a more decentralized political landscape, and Sri Lanka continues to grapple with economic instability and governance challenges.
In conclusion, the uprisings in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka reflect a broader regional trend of youth-led movements challenging entrenched political systems. While each movement has unique characteristics and outcomes, they collectively underscore the growing demand for accountability, transparency, and equitable governance in South Asia. The future stability of these nations will depend on their ability to address the underlying issues that fueled these uprisings and to implement reforms that meet the aspirations of their citizens.