Youth-Led Revolutions Shake South Asia’s Political Order

Kathmandu’s Singha Durbar in flames

In the Global South, where people under the age of 18 comprise more than 50 percent of the population, youth activism is rising rapidly. Youngsters are often more agile and volatile than older people, less restrained by family, prestige, and work. However, many face marginalisation, unemployment, and poverty. Insecurity and limited life experience also make them easy targets for manipulation by unscrupulous politicians, criminal networks, and religious extremists.

Students and young citizens increasingly use social media to organise protests and make their presence felt in public spaces. The role of new media technologies as mobilisation tools has prompted authorities to ban online platforms. Yet, restrictions have often accelerated rather than contained protests.

Most of these rebellious youths belong to Gen Z, the “digital native” generation, raised with constant access to the internet and social media. Their digital upbringing has shaped their worldview, making them independent, pragmatic, and focused on social impact.

South Asia has recently seen major protest movements involving young people. In July 2022, after Sri Lanka’s economic collapse, a rebellion forced its president to flee. In July 2024, upheaval ended Sheikh Hasina’s long rule in Bangladesh. In September 2025, violent protests in Nepal forced Prime Minister Khadga Oli to resign.

While specific incidents triggered these upheavals, they were rooted in long-term grievances: stark wealth inequality, rampant nepotism, and entrenched corruption. Above all, young people protested against dynastic politics and discredited elites.

In Sri Lanka, galloping inflation, blackouts, and shortages of fuel, gas, food, and medicines drove desperate crowds, mostly young, to the streets under the slogan Aragalya (“Struggle”). Political power had been entrenched within the Rajapaksa family for nearly two decades. Protesters blamed them for economic collapse, corruption, and mismanagement. Eventually, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled, leaving Ranil Wickremesinghe in charge.

In Bangladesh, student anger erupted over the Supreme Court’s reinstatement of a 30 percent job quota reserved for freedom fighters’ descendants. Students saw it as an attempt by the ruling party to favour its traditional supporters. Protests gained momentum in July 2024 and contributed to Sheikh Hasina’s downfall. An interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus now governs, though concerns remain over violence and uncertainty ahead of the promised 2026 elections.

In Nepal, youth resentment grew against corruption, unemployment, and elite privilege. When the government blocked social media platforms in September 2025, anger boiled over. Protests turned violent, with government offices, parliament, and other landmarks set ablaze. Prime Minister Khadga Oli resigned, and former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was appointed caretaker leader.

While new leaders have emerged in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal, questions remain over whether they will truly deliver systemic change or repeat the mistakes of their predecessors. Much also depends on India’s influence, where the rise of Hindu nationalism under Prime Minister Modi risks deepening regional polarisation.

This is the first part of an analysis on youth movements and political change. Part two will explore how youth-led revolutions have reshaped political landscapes globally.