Youth-Led Movements: The Impact of Student Protests in Making Political Change in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, youth-led movements have consistently exercised a significant influence on political landscapes, and their influence has been especially noticeable. The youth of Bangladesh have consistently exhibited their capacity to bring about substantial political change, from the Language Movement of 1952 to the student demonstrations of 2018 that advocated for quota reforms and road safety. The ongoing influence of these movements in challenging and ultimately transforming government regimes can be seen by the recent student protests that started in June 2024 and resulted in the government’s resignation on August 5th.

In this commentary, BIPSS Research Assistant Saraf Wasima highlighted the transformative and enduring nature of youth-led movements in Bangladesh, emphasizing their capacity to advocate for democratic reforms and hold political powers accountable. This commentary emphasizes the necessity of a more profound comprehension of the ways in which youth activism continues to influence the pursuit of a more democratic and equitable society in Bangladesh as the relationship between the younger generation and political power forms.