Bangladesh’s Gen-Z battles to gain political ground after ousting Hasina

December 4, 2025 9:13 AM

Bangladesh’s Gen-Z battles to gain political ground after ousting Hasina

Thousands in Bangladesh flocked to hear the plans of the students who toppled long-time leader Sheikh Hasina when they launched a new political party this year, but now it finds itself struggling to translate the street power into votes. Fighting to deliver on its promise to free the nation from decades of nepotism and two-party dominance, the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) faces entrenched rivals with deep networks and resources as polls approach in February. "Our organisation is we...

Nepali rapper turned mayor is young people’s favourite in political crisis

September 10, 2025 3:34 PM

Nepali rapper turned mayor is young people’s favourite in political crisis

Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, an unusually youthful elected official in Nepali politics dominated by seasoned legislators, has emerged as a favourite among young people to represent them in an interim government. The capital's 35-year-old mayor, a former rapper who often appears on Instagram and in public wearing a dark blazer and sunglasses, is in the spotlight after deadly protests prompted the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, 73. "You should be our new prime ministe...

Soldiers guard Nepal’s parliament, patrol streets after two days of deadly protests

September 10, 2025 4:36 PM

Soldiers guard Nepal’s parliament, patrol streets after two days of deadly protests

Soldiers guarded Nepal's parliament and patrolled deserted streets on Wednesday amid a curfew in the capital Kathmandu, after two days of deadly anti-corruption protests forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign. The upheaval in the poor Himalayan nation was unleashed by a social media ban that was announced last week, but was rolled back after 19 people were killed on Monday as police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to control crowds. The death toll from the protests had risen to 25 b...

Tourists stranded in Nepal as Gen Z protests force Kathmandu Airport shutdown

September 10, 2025 12:04 PM

Tourists stranded in Nepal as Gen Z protests force Kathmandu Airport shutdown

Hundreds of tourists from India and several other nations have been stranded in Nepal after Kathmandu Airport was shut down due to safety concerns following violent Gen Z protests against alleged corruption and the Oli government’s controversial social media ban. What began as a peaceful youth-led movement quickly spiralled into violent clashes with security forces, leaving several dead. The unrest also saw several top politicians assaulted by mobs, while the homes of leaders were set on fire...