Srilanka, Bangladesh and Nepal: A Wave of People’s Uprisings in South Asia, written by Dr Manoj Kumar Paul

//Dr. Manoj Kumar Paul//

South Asia is a region rich in geography and culture, yet it has remained politically unstable for decades. Even after nearly eighty years of independence, democratic institutions in most countries of this region are still fragile. Dynastic politics, one-party dominance, corruption, social inequality, rising youth unemployment, and the rivalry of external powers have shaped governance. As a result, public trust in governments has repeatedly collapsed, erupting into waves of mass protest.

In recent years, three neighbouring countries—Srilanka (2022), Bangladesh (2024), and Nepal (2025)—witnessed major uprisings. The causes were different, but at their core lay frustration, deprivation, and anger. Srilanka was hit by economic bankruptcy, Bangladesh saw a student and youth-led quota reform movement that grew into a national revolt, and Nepal’s turning point came with a sudden ban on social media. In every case, the public ultimately forced rulers from power. Together, these events serve not only as turning points for each country, but also as a warning for the whole of South Asia.

Srilanka: From Bankruptcy to Mass Revolt

Sri Lanka’s 2022 movement made headlines around the world. Years of family rule under the Rajapaksas and unresolved ethnic tensions had weakened the country. But what triggered the uprising was a devastating economic collapse.

With its economy dependent on tourism, tea exports and remittances, Srilanka faltered when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down global travel. The government’s sudden ban on chemical fertilizers caused agricultural failure, food shortages, and further public misery. Foreign debt ballooned to $51 billion, most of it owed to China, while inflation soared above 50%. Shortages of fuel, medicines, and basic food items pushed citizens to the brink.

By April 2022, thousands gathered in Colombo chanting “Go Home Gota.” The protests grew so strong that by July, demonstrators stormed the presidential palace. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country. Though India rushed to help with food and fuel supplies, and the IMF stepped in with a $3 billion bailout, ordinary citizens continued to suffer.

This moment showed how public unity against economic mismanagement and dynastic politics could drive a leader from power, inspiring movements in neighbouring countries as well.

Bangladesh: From Quota Protests to Revolution

Bangladesh’s 2024 uprising became a watershed in its political history. Resentment had been building for years against Prime Minister Sheikh Hsian’s government, which had ruled since 2009. The spark came from students and young people demanding reform of the quota system in government jobs, which they believed deprived talented candidates.

The protest soon widened. Rising prices, fuel shortages, dwindling foreign reserves, corruption, and shrinking democratic space all fed public anger. Controversial elections in 2014 and 2018 had already damaged credibility, while suppression of opposition parties, restrictions on media, and laws curbing free expression left democracy in a fragile state.

By mid-2024, the movement spread across cities. Students, professionals, and ordinary citizens filled the streetts. Harsh crackdowns—arrests, shootings, internet shutdowns—only swelled the tide of resistance. With the army refusing to intervene on the government’s side, Sheikh Hasina was left isolated. By July, she resigned and fled abroad.

An interim government was formed with promises to rebuild democratic structures, though political stability remained uncertain. Bangladesh’s uprising proved that even a seemingly small issue like job quotas can grow into a national revolt when combined with frustration over economic hardship and authoritarianism.

Nepal: Social Media Ban Sparks a Political Storm

In 2025, Nepal added its own chapter to this regional story. The government’s sudden ban on 26 social media platforms ignited anger among young people who saw it as an attack on free expression. But the protests were also fuelled by long-standing frustrations—unemployment, inflation, debt, corruption, and the privileges of the so-called “Nepo kids,” children of political leaders who benefited unfairly.

The movement began on September 4. Four days later, police gunfire in Kathmandu left at least 19 people dead. Parliament was set ablaze, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned, the Home Minister was assaulted by protesters, and the Finance Minister fled the country. With the army neutral, the government collapsed.

On September 12, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was appointed interim Prime Minister, and fresh elections were announced for 2026. Nepal’s uprising showed that Generation Z is willing to defend democracy not only through votes but also through street protests.

Shared Lessons Across South Asia

Despite different contexts, these three uprisings share striking similarities:

 Weak governance and unchecked rulers fueled public anger.

 Economic crises—ranging from debt to inflation—were the immediate triggers.

 Distrust of leaders accused of nepotism and corruption ran deep.

 Youth played the leading role, from students in Colombo and Dhaka to Gen Z in Kathmandu.

 State repression backfired, as bans, shootings, and curfews only strengthened public resolve.

 In all three countries, rulers were forced from power.

What It Means for India

For India, these events are not distant disturbances but direct warnings. Instability in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal affects India’s security, border politics, regional influence, and economy. The lessons are clear:

 Strengthen democratic institutions with transparency and accountability.

 Reform the economy to control inflation, create jobs, and support agriculture.

 Win the trust of young people by offering skills, opportunities, and social security.

 Build stronger ties with neighbours through economic and cultural cooperation.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal together remind us of a simple truth: when public anger reaches a breaking point, no regime can survive. In South Asia, where corruption, nepotism, and suppression often erode democracy, even the smallest spark—whether it is job quotas or a social media ban—can ignite a revolution.

The wave of uprisings in these three countries underscores a vital lesson for the entire region: governments can endure only by holding on to the trust of their people.

(Dr Manoj Kumar Paul is Former Principal, Women’s College, Silchar)