In Bangladesh, the long-awaited democracy has returned as the Generation Z took to the streets to oust the autocratic regime led by Sheikh Hasina. The elections held marked the first free electoral process in 17 years, leading to the rise of Tarique Rahman, an exiled politician who had spent nearly two decades in London. The decision of the electorate to support Rahman signals a desire for significant change and a break from the authoritarian past that has so profoundly affected the country's political landscape.

The student uprising in 2024 is recognized as the primary and most impactful of a wave of Generation Z protests that erupted globally. Within a remarkably short period, the protests escalated, culminating in the ouster of Hasina’s government, during which an estimated 1,400 people lost their lives due to the violent suppression of the protests by security forces, as highlighted by a UN investigation. This uprising showcased the power of youth activism in demanding accountability and reform in an increasingly authoritarian context.

Following Hasina's fall, student leaders rapidly ascended to important positions within a transitional government, now led by a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. This shift not only signifies a potential new era for Bangladeshi politics but also raises questions about stability and governance moving forward, as the country navigates the aftermath of a dramatic political upheaval where many are hopeful of a brighter future while grappling with the realities of past conflicts and systemic change.