Around 28% of the Bangladeshi people are young people, aged between 15-29 years, often referred to as Generation Z. Gen-Z, born roughly between 1997 and 2012, is a cohort defined by its unprecedented digital immersion. Raised in an era dominated by smartphones, social media, and the internet, they are digital natives, comfortable with technology in a way previous generations never were. This digital fluency has shaped their worldview making them more informed, connected, and engaged. Subsequently, it is no surprise that they are more likely to question authority and challenge the status quo. Today, they are powerful agents of change, making and breaking people, influencers, brands and past ideas on the daily.
Critics often label this generation as self-centred, confined within their digital spaces, and addicted to memes and reels. Over the years, we have been branded apathetic, entitled, and screen-obsessed. Yet, people from our generation are the ones who gathered thousands of people to the streets, organized protests online, and created the change other generations thought would be impossible. We are calling out hypocrisy, challenging the status quo, and refusing to be silenced. This sends a clear message that we are stepping out of our digital comfort zones to address real-world issues.
You see, we have grown up in a world on fire. Corruption, climate change, economic inequality, social injustice -- these are not just buzzwords to us. They are our reality. We have watched as those before us have kicked the can down the road, and we are tired of it. We are the ones inheriting these generation-old problems, so we are the ones who have to solve them.
This is precisely why an “apolitical” group of young people became intertwined with state politics. At the heart of this revolution is a deep-seated disillusionment with the status quo. Years of political instability and inequality have fueled a growing sense of anger and frustration and we were just done with this system that deprives us of basic fundamental rights.
Our role in the anti-discriminatory student movement is part of a broader historical tapestry. This activism echoes the spirit of past generations, who have consistently been at the forefront of the nation’s struggles and triumphs. From the Language Movement of 1952, where students sacrificed their lives demanding Bangla as a state language, to the mass upsurge of 1969, which paved the way for independence, youth have been the catalysts for change.
The courage, determination, and unwavering commitment of Bangladeshi youth to justice and freedom were instrumental in achieving national liberation. 53 years later, it was once again the country’s youth demanding justice, rights, and accountability from the government.
We understand that traditional institutions are often slow to adapt and that real change comes from the ground up, driven by the people directly affected by these issues -- this has shaped our political outlook. We are less loyal to political parties and more aligned with issues. Hence, we demanded a system that is transparent, accountable, and in touch with the realities of our lives.
At the heart of this revolution is a deep-seated disillusionment with the status quo
You see, we have only witnessed national elections without being able to vote. We have seen corruption at every step of the way. We have to deal with student politics in halls and campuses. We are fed up with the idea that we either live with this or fly away in search of better opportunities. We are always told to keep quiet but with access to social media, we have witnessed how social movements and collective action can lead to change in other countries.
Being raised in a more diverse and inclusive world, we are deeply committed to social justice issues. We identify as progressive and are passionate about issues like free speech, social equality and human rights. We not only believe in these causes but also feel the urgency to act upon them.
Social scientists recognize how new generations impact cultural thought and worldview. Thinkers like Auguste Comte have debated that generational change is the engine behind social change. Each generation, as they become adults, represents the pulse that creates the history of a society, for better or worse. The good news here is that Gen-Z is all about results, not rhetoric.
We have seen through the nonsense and are not afraid to call it out. We are the generation that has learned to filter through the noise, to separate fact from fiction. You cannot scare this generation into submission, manipulate them with political propaganda, or stop them from fighting back. This Gen-Z revolution is not about targeting a specific political party; it is about dismantling an unjust system that has failed to understand us. We are fighting for justice, equal rights, and a future we can believe in. We want our voices heard and our concerns taken seriously. No more empty promises or symbolic gestures -- we want tangible changes that address the root causes.
We are the same generation that taught you how to identify red flags. We bring to light issues that were previously overlooked or ignored. From calling out toxic behaviours in personal traits to calling out dictatorship, we see things for what they are. This is a generation that would not back down from fighting for what is right and we are only just getting started on passing the political vibe check.
Maisha Islam Monamee is a student at Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka.