4 years, 3 protest movements: How public anger overthrew governments in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh

 NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 10 – A wave of public anger has been sweeping through South Asia in recent years. It began in Sri Lanka in 2022, ousting the president, then spread to Bangladesh, toppling its government last year. On Monday, it reached Nepal, forcing the prime minister to resign just a day after protests erupted.

These movements often start with a specific issue but quickly grow into broader anger against the political elite, whom people see as corrupt, out of touch, and responsible for economic inequality. Young people have often led these protests, which sometimes turn violent and create political uncertainty.

In Nepal, protests were sparked by the government’s ban on major social media platforms. Many citizens were also frustrated by the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ families while ordinary people faced unemployment, corruption, and rising costs. At least 19 people have died so far. Protesters burned the parliament, presidential residence, and homes of politicians. Facing mounting pressure, Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli reversed the social media ban and resigned, though he will remain as caretaker until a new government is formed. It’s unclear whether the next government will include the same political figures Nepalis are trying to reject.

Nepal has long faced political instability; since the 2015 constitution, prime ministers have rarely completed a full term. The country ended its monarchy in 2006 after a violent uprising. Experts warn that violence now makes it even harder to decide who should lead and how the country can move forward.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka show that change doesn’t come easily. In Bangladesh, student protests over civil service rules led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina being ousted, but the country still struggles with political instability, election delays, and rising violence. In Sri Lanka, protests in 2022 forced the Rajapaksa family from power, yet economic problems, corruption, and human rights issues continue.

Other countries in the region are also seeing unrest. In Indonesia, protests over lawmakers’ perks and the cost of living led to deaths and government reshuffles. Myanmar has been in civil war since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government in 2021.

Experts say that while not all protests have such dramatic results, South Asia now faces a pattern of instability, with anger and miscalculations potentially spiraling into major crises. Nepal is seen as a clear example of this new politics of instability.