International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Gen-Z Protests and Public Deception: Exploring Leadership, Accountability and Governance in Nepal and Bangladesh since 2022

This dissertation examines Gen-Z protests in Nepal and Bangladesh since 2022, focusing on issues of public deception, leadership, accountability and governance. The study aims to understand why young people took to the streets, how governments responded and what these protests reveal about the functioning of political systems in both countries. Gen-Z, being highly connected through social media, has emerged as an important political force that challenges traditional authority and demands transparency. The research uses a comparative case study approach based on secondary sources such as news reports, academic articles, NGO publications and government statements. Through thematic analysis, the study identifies key patterns in protest causes, state responses and governance issues. The findings show that although the immediate triggers of protests differed- such as the social media ban in Nepal and the job quota system in Bangladesh- the underlying causes were similar. These include unemployment, corruption, lack of transparency and declining trust in political leadership. The study also finds that governments in both countries attempted to control narratives through information management, which often increased public distrust. Furthermore, the protests highlight gaps in accountability and weaknesses in governance systems. State responses, including police action and restrictions on digital platforms, raised concerns about democratic practices. At the same time, Gen-Z protests represent a shift in political participation, as young people use digital tools to organise and express their demands. The dissertation concludes that these protests act as a reflection of deeper governance problems and signal a growing demand for transparency, accountability and inclusive leadership in South Asia.