Gen Z Revolution: Driving Political Change in Bangladesh

Generation Z, born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, is reshaping political activism worldwide. Known for their digital fluency, global interconnectedness, and commitment to social justice, Gen Z is challenging political regimes in unprecedented ways. While much focus has been on their consumer habits and online behaviours, recent global protests have highlighted their capacity to drive significant political change.

Gen Z's activism in Bangladesh mirrors a broader trend of youth-led movements challenging established powers globally. In the Israel-Palestine conflict, for instance, Gen Z has used social media to raise awareness, organize protests, and shape global opinion, especially in the West, where younger generations are increasingly vocal about justice and human rights. In India, Gen Z has led protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), combining street demonstrations with digital campaigns to spotlight issues of secularism and minority rights, attracting significant domestic and international attention.

Ground Protests Augmented by Digital Activism

In Bangladesh, the protests against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government began with opposition to job reservation policies. Even after the government reversed its stance, the demonstrations continued to grow, fuelled by deep-seated grievances about the government's overall performance and governance. Young activists took to the streets in large numbers across various districts, directly challenging the regime and exposing its harsh response, including police shootings and the killing of protesters. Videos and images of these violent crackdowns quickly spread, highlighting both the determination of the protesters and the brutality of the government's tactics.

While these street protests formed the backbone of the movement, digital activism played an equally vital role in amplifying its impact. Gen Z skilfully used social media platforms to organize rallies, share real-time updates, and coordinate actions across different regions. They also relied on encrypted messaging apps and VPNs to bypass government-imposed internet blackouts, ensuring continuous communication and maintaining the momentum of the protests.

Moreover, digital activism extended beyond Bangladesh’s borders, transforming a domestic struggle into a global movement. Through online campaigns, Gen Z effectively spotlighted the regime's human rights abuses and electoral malpractices, sparking solidarity protests in major cities worldwide, including New York, London, and Berlin. These international demonstrations amplified the voices of Bangladeshi youth and brought global attention to their cause. This international scrutiny likely accelerated the government's downfall and encouraged calls for democratic reforms.

Implications for Global Activism

The success of Gen Z in Bangladesh is part of a broader pattern of youth-led movements challenging authoritarianism and advocating for democratic reforms worldwide. Their ability to mobilize quickly, apply sustained pressure, and draw international attention to their causes is redefining how political change is achieved.

Gen Z are dreamers, willing to challenge even the most entrenched powers. In Bangladesh, they confronted an autocrat like Sheikh Hasina, who maintained tight control over institutions and the military. Despite her willingness to use lethal force, resulting in the deaths of over 400 students and protesters, Hasina's seemingly unshakeable regime collapsed unexpectedly. This rapid turn of events underscores Gen Z’s ability to disrupt even the most oppressive systems through persistent activism and unwavering resolve.

Conclusion

Gen Z is not just a generation of digital natives; they are emerging as powerful political actors on the global stage. Their role in protests and regime changes, from Bangladesh to Palestine and India, showcases their capacity to leverage technology, organize swiftly, and sustain impactful movements. As they continue to confront global issues, Gen Z's influence on politics and activism is only set to grow. Their innovative methods and unwavering pursuit of justice are reshaping political landscapes worldwide, signalling a new era of digitally-driven activism led by a generation unafraid to demand change.

Rajib Bose