Nepal mirrors Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as anti-government protests sweep South Asia with similar patterns

Over the past three years, South Asia has seen major youth-led protests that toppled governments in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. These movements were driven by frustration over corruption, poor governance, economic problems, and restrictions on freedoms. Young people, especially students and social media users, played a key role in organising demonstrations and demanding change. These events show a clear pattern across the region: citizens rising up against political elites who fail to meet public expectations.

In Sri Lanka, the Aragalaya movement began in 2022 as the country faced its worst economic crisis in decades. Foreign reserves ran out, inflation skyrocketed, and basic essentials like fuel, food, and medicine became scarce. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets, occupying Colombo’s main areas, storming government offices, and even entering the presidential palace. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa eventually fled the country in July 2022, ending the Rajapaksa family’s long-standing rule. Although international aid helped stabilise the economy, distrust in political leaders continues, with citizens demanding reforms.

In Bangladesh, protests erupted in July 2024 after controversy over government job quotas that favoured descendants of freedom fighters. Students led demonstrations that quickly expanded into a nationwide movement against corruption and authoritarianism. Clashes with security forces disrupted major cities and caused casualties. Under mounting pressure, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and moved to India in August 2024. An interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took charge to restore order and prepare for elections. These protests highlighted how youth felt ignored by entrenched political elites and demanded fairness and transparency in governance.

Nepal saw its own wave of protests in September 2025 when the government banned major social media platforms and required local registration. The move angered young people, particularly Gen Z, who saw it as an attack on freedom of expression. The protests quickly expanded to include grievances about corruption, unemployment, and poor governance. Violent clashes left at least 19 dead and hundreds injured. Despite lifting the social media ban and ministerial resignations, unrest continued until Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned under immense pressure.

Common reasons behind protests

Across Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal, several common factors triggered these uprisings. Corruption was a major issue, with social media posts and news reports exposing extravagant lifestyles of political elites while ordinary citizens struggled. These revelations fuelled anger among the youth, who demanded accountability and justice.

Ignored public demands also played a key role. Governments repeatedly failed to respond to concerns such as economic hardship, unfair job policies, or lack of transparency. Citizens felt powerless and frustrated, which pushed them to take to the streets.

Youth mobilisation and digital organising amplified these movements. Young people used social media to communicate, plan, and inspire protests. Interestingly, government restrictions on digital platforms often backfired, intensifying unrest rather than stopping it.

Heavy-handed responses by governments, including crackdowns on protesters and violence, further eroded trust. Citizens began seeing ruling elites as disconnected from public needs, leading to the collapse of legitimacy for long-standing regimes.

Economic shocks worsened the situation in all three countries. Global post-pandemic trade shifts, rising protectionism, and poor domestic management created unemployment, rising costs of living, and political instability. These factors combined to fuel widespread anger, particularly among young people who felt the consequences of mismanagement the most.

The protests also share similarities in their organisation and scale. From student movements in Bangladesh to youth-led social media campaigns in Nepal and mass street occupations in Sri Lanka, young people proved to be the driving force for political change. Their actions demonstrate how the region’s youth are increasingly unwilling to tolerate corruption, inequality, and authoritarian governance.

Impact and lessons for the region

The uprisings in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal resulted in the fall of long-standing governments, showing the power of collective youth action. They also reveal a pattern across South Asia: governments that fail to address public grievances, manage economic crises, or respect freedoms risk facing widespread unrest.

These events highlight the importance of transparency, accountability, and effective governance. Citizens, especially young people, are now more aware of their rights and more capable of organising protests thanks to digital tools. Governments that ignore public sentiment or use excessive force may face even greater instability in the future.

The protests also underline the role of social media in shaping modern political movements. Platforms like TikTok, X, and WhatsApp have become vital for mobilising citizens quickly and spreading messages widely. Attempts to restrict these platforms, as seen in Nepal, may trigger even stronger reactions.

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In conclusion, the youth-led protests in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal reflect shared regional challenges: corruption, economic hardship, governance failures, and suppression of freedoms. Young people have become the voice of change, demonstrating that collective action can challenge entrenched political power. Governments in South Asia may need to pay closer attention to youth concerns, adopt reforms, and ensure fairness to maintain stability.

These events serve as a reminder that political legitimacy depends on responsiveness to public needs, and failure to address systemic issues can lead to rapid social upheaval. The recent protests are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of citizens asserting their rights and demanding accountability in South Asia.