Gen Z Shapes New Destinies- A case study of Sri Lanka Bangladesh and Nepal – BY: Kashif Kaifee
The Gen Z revolution in some of the populous countries like Sri Lanka , Bangladesh and Nepal, have broken the stereotypes regarding the generation as lazy and apathetic. Specifically in Nepal, they created history by ousting the prime minister which clearly depicts the futuristic and drastic sudden change in the generation. They have signaled clearly not to endure any political, social and economical injustices.
Before de-constructing the Gen Z , we need to peep into this generation so that we could get a better and deepen inside glance.
The Gen Z or zoomers, a group of people born in 1990 and in early 2010 (1997-2012). The name was first coined by the demographer Mark Crindle. This generation is unique due to having the following social traits- highly tech savvy, practical, collective conscious, expressive individualists, prioritizing their psychological well-being and excessive dynamic. This generation has shown highly contrast with millennials in the recent uprise in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal.
South Asia has a very strong demographic for Gen Z. Bangladesh comprises 27 percent , Nepal consists of 24 percent and Sri Lanka consists of 21 percent of Gen Z population.
Case of Sri Lanka:
Gen Z occupies 58 percent of businesses. They are with highly entrepreneurial aspirations. A keen interest in ethical practices and financial security has been witnessed in them over product quality. They have successfully coped with such injustices using social media as a tool for a powerful paradigm shift . They have truly inspired the Gen Zs’ all over the world to have financial independence.
Gen Z Domination in Bangladesh:
Going against the traditional definition as drowned into digitisation, the Gen z has shown their most aggressive and violent phase in Bangladesh against the political exploitation of the system. In August 2024, they compelled the Bangladeshi premier to flee to India. The Bangladeshi Gen Z stood firmly against the 1/3 job quotas specific for the descendants of 1971 liberation war veterans.
They had other such demands which they stood fast and gained success by witnessing ever fearful protests like vandalising of public offices, blowing up the statues of the father of Sheikh Hasina and many other ferocious acts. Bangladesh also witnessed 300 horrific deaths in the Gen Z protest
Case scenario of Nepal, the most interesting one:
Again like Bangladesh in 2024, Nepal faced the same Gen Z outrage against the political unjust policies of the incumbent government under premier Mr K.P. Sharma Oli, in September 2025. We know that Nepal was facing an extreme unemployment rate which is almost about 22 percent with the age limit of 15 to 24 years and an excessive high rate of poverty- about 20 percent, was looming over the country. The government officials were submerged totally into corruption.
The most interesting case of all the two cases above, the Gen Zs’ have transformed and redefined their whole definition. Before the protest they were considered as a useless generation spending most of their time on social media scrolling for entertainment buzz, sports or educational purposes but they have positively used these entertainment apps and redefined themselves as covert soldiers of the nation.
They have organised digital rallies and meetings and all leaders were a crew from the young Gen Z population. The government banned social media which eventually compelled them to create their online mission into practical Street Revolution.
In Such a pathetic situation, the Gen Z took the responsibility of bringing transparency to the nation on their shoulders and successfully ousted the premier. They have rampaged the corrupt ministers and eventually elected their first online caretaker premier which is seen as a glance of hope for the dying Nation. They are the symbol of Resistance, Demand and Active Activism.
Conclusion
Concluding with high hope that the way Gen Z has transferred the destiny of Srilanka, Bangladesh and Nepal , our homeland will one day rise with the glare of Gen Z standing firm and fast against nepotism, corruption, political injustices, economic gorges, and social passimism.
The way Gen Z stood against oppression, will definitely spread its waves across many neighbouring countries demanding transparency, accountability and job opportunities via social media engagement.
This generation is really a lighthouse of hope for hundreds of young generations across the borders. To me this facet of Gen Z , glittered up in the three mentioned countries, is the sweetest and brightest ever. May Gen Z prevail! May hope prevail!
Kashif Kaifee
Ex Visiting faculty English
UOCH, UOP
The author can be reached at:
[email protected]
