Youth Uprisings

What it Means for India

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Across Bangladesh and Nepal, youth-led unrest has been triggered by a common set of drivers such as economic despair, political disenchantment, and growing digital connectivity.

Despite Bangladesh's relatively stronger economic growth under Hasina, compared to Nepal's economy, both countries face alarmingly high youth unemployment.

Educated youth face a stagnant job market, and a lack of meaningful opportunities pushed frustration to come out in the open. Political systems viewed as dynastic, corrupt, and self-serving have only deepened public disillusionment.

Digital platforms have transformed how this frustration is expressed. In Bangladesh, protesters last year flooded social media with red profile pictures on Facebook and WhatsApp, a symbol of their solidarity and defiance. In Nepal, platforms like TikTok and encrypted apps were critical tools for organizing protests in the face of government surveillance and censorship. This convergence of factors amplified the youth's voice and ability to coordinate actions.