Gen-Z Revolution in Bangladesh: How the Youth Have Ended a 15-Year Authoritarian Rule

Young children shouting, ‘We want justice!’, ‘Why did you kill my brother?’, or ‘Step down Hasina!’ is perhaps the most electrifying moment of the history of South Asia in the 21st century. Never before have we seen a youth-led protest brave through the forces of an authoritarian state and persevere, defying death.
The Generation Z, or the Gen-Z youth, have become the catalyst for the recent revolution that toppled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year authoritarian rule. This movement, which began with protests against an inequitable job quota system, grew into a full-scale political uprising.

The role of the youth in this revolution has not only altered the nation’s immediate political situation but has also paved the way for long-term political reform and socio-economic change. The youth, galvanised by a desire for democracy, transparency, and social justice, have become a dominant force in shaping Bangladesh’s future.

The Rise of the Youth Movement in Bangladesh

Over the past decade, the socio-political climate in Bangladesh has grown increasingly oppressive, marked by authoritarian governance, corruption, and curtailed civil liberties. The 15-year period of Sheikh Hasina’s rule, although associated with notable economic growth and infrastructure development, was equally characterised by increasing political repression.

The ruling Awami League consolidated power through flawed elections, political suppression, and the curtailment of free speech. Dissent was systematically silenced, and political violence, censorship, and human rights violations became commonplace. Even in this recent uprising, the government forces and the ruling party cadres have killed at least 757 people1, among which at least 70 are children2. This political environment stifled democratic processes and bred widespread frustration, particularly among the younger generation.

It was within this repressive environment that Generation Z, a group born into a world of global digital connectivity and social awareness, began to emerge as a potent political force. These young people, raised with access to the internet and social media, were keenly aware of both the opportunities and injustices around them. With increasing global exposure, they became more sensitive to issues of social justice, democracy, and freedom. As digital natives, they leveraged online platforms to mobilise, organise, and amplify their grievances.

The spark for the youth-led movement can be traced to a specific grievance: the job quota system, which allocated 56% of public sector jobs to the children and grandchildren of freedom fighters from the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. What began as protests against this quota system quickly evolved into a broader critique of the government’s corruption, mismanagement, and authoritarianism. Sheikh Hasina’s brutal suppression and the excessive use of force have resulted in an explosive outburst.

The young protesters demanded an end to the discriminatory system, but the movement soon became an uprising to put an end to the autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina.

The Fall of Sheikh Hasina and the Emergence of a New Political Era

The revolution reached its peak on August 5, 2024, when a youth-led movement forced Sheikh Hasina to resign from office after 15 years of authoritarian rule. This momentous event was the culmination of weeks of protests, spearheaded by students and youth activists, who demonstrated in the streets of Dhaka and other major cities. Their persistent protests, despite violent crackdowns, internet shutdowns, and police brutality, signalled the end of an era of political oppression.
Hasina’s fall marked a significant turning point for Bangladesh’s political landscape. The transition of power was swift, with Nobel laureate and microcredit pioneer Muhammad Yunus appointed as the head of an interim government. Yunus’ leadership, seen as a move toward establishing democratic governance and addressing the institutional abuses of the previous regime, signalled hope for a more transparent and accountable political system.

However, the challenges facing the interim government are significant. Reforming entrenched political institutions, rehabilitating a polarised political culture, sporadic attacks on the minorities, and addressing the economic needs of the country will require careful, sustained efforts.

The Impact of the Youth on Political Change

Unlike previous movements, which were largely local and fragmented, this youth-led revolution transcended geographic boundaries and was amplified by digital platforms. Facebook, Messenger, YouTube and other social media tools allowed protesters to organise rapidly, share information, and inspire others to join their cause. Even amid government-imposed internet blackouts, the youth used text messaging and phone calls to keep the momentum going.

Moreover, the youth-led movement was not just about reclaiming political power; it was also about the government accountable for human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and political violence. These demands for justice resonated deeply with the young generation, who had grown up witnessing the erosion of democratic values and the increasing centralisation of power. Their calls for transparency, accountability, and the rule of law were a direct response to the corruption and abuses of the Hasina regime.

Active Participation of Women in the Uprising

Another significant aspect of the youth movement was its inclusivity. Women played a prominent role in the protests, often leading from the front lines and defying the repressive forces of the state. The image of female protesters, such as the young woman trying to stop a police van with her bare hands, became iconic symbols of the revolution.

Women not only participated in the street protests but also used digital platforms to spread information, provide medical support, and rally others to the cause. This feminist dimension of the revolution is significant, as it highlights the intersectionality of the youth movement and the broader social changes it seeks to bring about.

There were many female students, even housewives, who provided food and water to the protesters. In university campuses, some female students would cook meals for the protesters at their halls. Then, the meals were distributed across the campus. The female teachers, too, joined this movement, supporting the students with their words and actions.

Challenges Ahead: The Need for Sustained Political Reform

Looking ahead, the revolution has not yet achieved all of its goals. While the ousting of Hasina was a significant achievement, the structural issues that allowed her to consolidate power—such as the politicisation of state institutions and the absence of checks and balances—still need to be addressed. The interim government, led by Yunus, must focus on rehabilitating these institutions, promoting dialogue and compromise among political stakeholders, and ensuring that the upcoming elections are free, fair, and inclusive.

The economic challenges facing Bangladesh also remain significant. Hasina’s government left an economy entrenched in debts, inflation, high unemployment, corruption, inequality, and poor labour protections. The new government must address these economic issues, while also navigating the country’s complex geopolitical relationships with regional powers such as India and China, who have vested interests in Bangladesh’s stability.

The youth of Bangladesh, particularly Generation Z, have emerged as powerful agents of change in the country’s political landscape. Their tech- savvy, global awareness, and progressive ideals have enabled them to mobilise quickly and effectively, leading to the downfall of an authoritarian regime and opening the door to political reform. However, the revolution is far from complete. The challenges facing the interim government are immense, and the path to democracy and transparency will require sustained efforts and careful navigation of the political landscape.

Nonetheless, the youth-led revolution has demonstrated that the younger generation is not content to sit on the sidelines of political life. As Bangladesh moves forward, the role of its youth will remain crucial in ensuring that the promises of the revolution are fulfilled and that the country emerges as a more democratic, just, and prosperous nation.