Will GEN Z Trigger Another Coup in Bangladesh?

Dhaka: Bangladesh appears to be heading toward another wave of unrest, driven by two major factors: the impending Supreme Court verdict against Sheikh Hasina and the controversial decisions taken by Muhammad Yunus. These developments have intensified discussions: Is Gen-Z preparing for another uprising in Bangladesh? Is Muhammad Yunus, seen by many as a puppet leader, on the verge of fleeing the country? And has Sheikh Hasina, from Delhi, already played her political cards for Dhaka?
The Yunus-led interim government, under pressure from Islamic groups, abolished the posts of music and physical education teachers in schools. This triggered outrage, leading to massive protests in Dhaka. Once again, the country seems to be witnessing the beginnings of a student revolt — a repeat of the Gen-Z uprising. As soon as the decision to scrap music and PT posts was announced, anger swept across campuses. Students argued this was an attack on Bangladesh’s cultural identity. Torch-lit protests quickly turned violent.
Explosions, clashes and even reports of lockdowns emerged from several areas of Dhaka, deepening the atmosphere of unrest. Many believe Yunus is bowing to radical groups, which the youth find completely unacceptable.
Amid this escalating crisis, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accused Yunus of crushing democracy and allowing extremists to influence the administration. According to Hasina, the present interim government is working under the influence of socially regressive and communal forces that have infiltrated the system.
It was the same student movement — against Hasina’s alleged authoritarianism and lack of accountability — that eventually forced her government out. This paved the way for Yunus to be appointed interim chief advisor, a move once welcomed by Western nations and many in Bangladesh’s civil society. But the situation has completely changed. As protests intensify in Dhaka and beyond, the same youth who once opposed Hasina are now marching against Yunus.
Adding to the tension, a verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a case of alleged crimes against humanity is expected on Monday. Ahead of the verdict, tensions in Dhaka have spiked. Several crude bomb explosions were reported on Sunday in the capital. While no casualties have been reported, the blasts have further destabilized an already fragile situation.
Hasina is accused of ordering a harsh crackdown on student protesters in mid-2024. Since being ousted in August 2024, she is believed to be staying in India. She has denied all charges.
As Bangladesh stands at a crossroads once again, the question remains: Will Gen-Z spark yet another uprising, reshaping the political future of the nation?