What you need to know about ongoing student-led protests in South Asia

Student-led protests have occurred in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan since May, initially triggered by concerns over high school examination administration and integrity. While protests in Pakistan, linked to leaks of AS-Level Mathematics and Physics examinations, remained relatively limited and subsided within two to three weeks during May and June, protest activity in Bangladesh and India has gained significant momentum. In India, the movement has evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations, with police responses resulting in clashes, injuries and heightened unrest risks. 

The ‘Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)’, an Indian youth-led political pressure group, organised a march to the Parliament building in Delhi on 20 July. Several thousand people attended the march, which was met by police dispersal measures. At least 180 people reportedly sustained injuries, with several reports indicating that some protesters are receiving treatment for severe pellet-related wounds. 

In Bangladesh, student protesters in Dhaka continue to conduct blockade demonstrations at the heavily trafficked Shahbagh intersection, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Ehsanul Hoque Milon. As of 21 July, organisers have stated their intention to maintain daily demonstrations until Milon resigns. 

Origins of the unrest 

In all three cases – Bangladesh, India and Pakistan – concerns over examination integrity and administration triggered the protests. Examination leaks occurred in India and Pakistan in late April and early May before students sat the tests. Reports of the leaks prompted frustration among affected students, particularly amid perceptions that similar irregularities have occurred in previous years. Given that these examinations can significantly affect university admissions and future employment prospects, the issue has resonated widely among young people. 

In Pakistan, students primarily directed their criticism towards Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), the administrator of the examinations. In India, however, protesters have focused their demands on the government and have called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. 

In Bangladesh, severe flooding linked to the ongoing south-west monsoon has disrupted the education system in several areas. Although the Ministry of Education postponed Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations in some districts, tests proceeded as scheduled elsewhere, prompting student-led demonstrations. Bangladesh also has a recent history of student mobilisation, with student-led protests playing a significant role in the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. 

Underlying drivers of mobilisation 

Government responses in Bangladesh and India were widely perceived by protesters as dismissive of concerns over examination-related issues. 

In India, Chief Justice Surya Kant inadvertently contributed to the emergence of the CJP when, during a hearing in May, he compared unemployed young people entering journalism and activism to cockroaches and parasites. In response, youth activist Abhijeet Dipke established the CJP through social media, attracting millions of followers within days. 

Similarly, in Bangladesh, protests intensified after reports emerged of a leaked phone call in which Education Minister Ehsanul Hoque Milon allegedly referred to angry students as “farm chickens”. Although Milon subsequently apologised for the remarks, protesters have maintained their demand for his resignation. In both countries, demonstrators are demanding the resignation of senior education officials. 

Although triggered by examination-related issues, the protests reflect broader concerns among young people regarding employment prospects, social mobility and confidence in public institutions. In India, several independent reports indicate persistently high levels of youth unemployment, with nearly 40% of graduates aged 15–25 and around 20% of those aged 25–29 reportedly unemployed. In Bangladesh, unemployment among people aged 15–29 is estimated at just over 10%, roughly twice the national average. 

The protests have also been fuelled by perceptions of government indifference to public concerns and broader frustrations regarding access to opportunity. Statements by senior public figures, including Surya Kant and Ehsanul Hoque Milon, have reinforced perceptions among many young people that decision-makers are disconnected from their concerns. There is also a wider perception that opportunities disproportionately favour politically connected or privileged groups. 

In India, the protests have evolved beyond education-related grievances into a broader anti-government movement driven by concerns over governance, accountability and heavy-handed policing. An ongoing hunger strike by activist Sonam Wangchuk has helped sustain public mobilisation, while recent clashes between protesters and police are likely to increase participation in future demonstrations. This dynamic was reflected by the return of several thousand demonstrators to Jantar Mantar in Delhi on 21 July following the violence a day earlier. 

What happens next? 

In Bangladesh, the education minister has apologised for his remarks and offered students the option of retaking the HSC examination at a later date. While demonstrations are likely to continue in the near term, we assess that their size and frequency will gradually decrease over the next one to two weeks. 

In India, however, elevated protest activity is likely to persist for at least the next two to four weeks. The government is unlikely to make significant concessions due to concerns about appearing responsive to sustained public pressure. As a result, youth-led mobilisation is likely to continue despite potential fluctuations in turnout. 

Delhi will likely remain the primary focal point of the movement, although solidarity demonstrations are likely in other major urban centres. In states and territories governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), there is an elevated risk of clashes between protesters and the police, particularly if authorities seek to prevent marches or disperse gatherings. 

Risk considerations for organisations 

• While inbound travel to the region can continue, organisations should ensure personnel are aware of the elevated unrest risks, particularly in Delhi and Dhaka. 

• Organisations should advise personnel to avoid large gatherings due to the credible risk of unrest. Where demonstrations are scheduled or ongoing, reassess route viability before approving or commencing journeys. 

• Closely monitor local reporting for information on protest activity and developments that could indicate an increase in unrest or disruption risks.