Rakshya Bam on Nepal’s Gen Z Movement and New Government

Nepali Generation Z movement coordinator Rakshya Bam watched flags from her home country fly over anti-government demonstrations in Madagascar in September 2025, recognizing that youth-led political mobilization in Katmandu had sparked an international wave of dissent. According to Bam, young protesters across the globe drew inspiration from parallel uprisings in Bangladesh and Indonesia as citizens confronted systemic economic distress and official corruption.

Global Echoes of the Nepali Gen Z Uprising

The global visibility of Nepal’s youth movement stems from a domestic revolt that culminated in September 2025 with the fall of K.P. Sharma Oli’s administration, according to interviews conducted at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference. Bam, a 26-year-old social work graduate and master’s degree holder in gender studies, notes that protesters abroad adopted the Nepali flag as a primary symbol of rebellion. Data from the 2021 census shows that approximately 56% of Nepal’s population is under the age of 30, providing a massive demographic base for the decentralized demonstrations that initially materialized online and spilled into the streets.

Origins of the Gen Z Protests in Katmandu

The catalyst for the September 2025 uprising was a sweeping government ban on 26 social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Young citizens organized against widespread official corruption, systemic abuses by ruling political parties, and a severe lack of domestic economic opportunity. During the height of the civil unrest, 76 people died and more than 2,000 sustained injuries before the administration collapsed. Following the prime minister’s exit, an interim government was established under former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki, leading up to national elections in March.

Post-Election Political Realities Under Prime Minister Balendra Shah

Rapper Balendra Shah and his Rastriya Swatantra Party secured an absolute majority in the March elections, marking their first 100 days in office by early July. Shah, who served as mayor of Katmandu during the social media shutdowns, has pursued a centrist agenda promising to combat corruption and create 1.2 million jobs. However, Bam points out that the Gen Z movement maintains an independent opposition role rather than absorbing fully into the new administration. Lawmakers from Shah’s own party have raised internal criticisms regarding executive transparency, agricultural policy, and press freedom.

Pro-Tip for Civic Monitoring

Future Political Aspirations and Continuing Activism

While Bam plans to evaluate entering electoral politics within the next five years, her current focus centers on grassroots education and advocacy through the Ujwal Thapa Foundation and the Nepal Gen Z Front. The organizations currently campaign to secure housing rights and land allocation for displaced families whose settlements were demolished. Simultaneously, labor ministry figures indicate that in 2024, over 741,000 Nepali citizens applied for foreign work permits, with 77% falling between the ages of 18 and 34. Bam emphasizes that the government must immediately formalize protective memorandums of understanding for diaspora workers while investing heavily in domestic tourism, agriculture, and entrepreneurial capital.

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggered the Gen Z protests in Nepal?

The protests erupted in September 2025 after the government banned 26 social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and WhatsApp, amid widespread anger over corruption and high youth unemployment.

Who is currently governing Nepal?

Following an interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, rapper Balendra Shah and the Rastriya Swatantra Party won an absolute majority in the March elections.

What role does Gen Z play in Nepal’s current political landscape?

While some activists work within government ministries, movement coordinators like Rakshya Bam operate independently on the streets to monitor the new administration and demand transparency.

How many young Nepalis seek work abroad?

According to the Ministry of Labor, more than 741,000 citizens applied for foreign employment permits in 2024, with 77% aged 18 to 34.