On 13 July 2026, the Centre for Inter-religious and Inter-cultural Dialogue and the Department of World Religions and Culture at the University of Dhaka organized a special seminar titled Faith, Identity, and Resistance: Gen Z Mobilizations in South Asia. Moderated by Professor Dr. Md Elius, the event opened with a welcome to faculty, students, and distinguished guests. The keynote speaker, Dr. Keshab Giri of the University of St. Andrews, emphasized that Gen Z mobilizations in South Asia are largely student-driven, characterized by temporality, intersectionality, demands for immediate reform, and a reliance on digital platforms. Discussant Dr. Shafi Md. Mostofa highlighted the role of trigger moments in sparking these movements—such as Sri Lanka’s debt crisis and violent repression, Nepal’s social media bans and student protests, and Bangladesh’s killing of Abu Sayed—and argued that their success lies in shifting the axis of the narrative. Chair Professor Dr. Md Abu Sayem described the July mobilization in Bangladesh as a revolution, noting Gen Z’s rejection of inequality and aspiration for structural change. Together, the seminar underscored the transformative potential of youth-led activism in reshaping South Asia’s political and social landscapes.
