In many Asian countries, politicians and bureaucracies have lost public trust due to widespread corruption, nepotism, and resource plundering. This has led to public outrage and regime changes, as seen in countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
SNPNEWS.IN News Update Sep 2025: Governments in most Asian nations have eroded public confidence due to rampant corruption, favoritism in high-level appointments, and economic mismanagement. As a result, power transitions have been observed in Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, and recently Nepal.
Regime Changes and Civil War-Like Conditions (2010–2025):
1. Shri Lanka 2022: Corruption and a severe economic crisis (depleted foreign reserves, 70% inflation, fuel and food shortages, power cuts) sparked public protests starting in April 2022.
On July 9, millions stormed the Presidential Palace, forcing President Rajapaksa to flee the country and resign on July 14. Ranil Wickremesinghe was appointed president, ending the Rajapaksa family’s rule. However, the economy remains in crisis. Wickremesinghe was arrested for corruption in August 2025, and the Sri Lankan military currently holds power.
2. Pakistan (2022): PTI leader Imran Khan, who became prime minister in 2018, was ousted in April 2022 via a no-confidence motion by opposition parties (PDM alliance – PML-N, PPP) over economic crises, corruption allegations, and disputes with the military over the army chief’s appointment.
On April 3, the deputy speaker rejected the no-confidence motion, and Khan attempted to dissolve the assembly. The Supreme Court intervened, and on April 10, a no-confidence vote removed Khan, with Shehbaz Sharif (PML-N) becoming PM on April 11.
Khan’s “Azadi March” protests challenged the ousting, blaming the U.S. and the military. He faces nearly 200 cases, including sedition and corruption, and has been jailed in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail since August 2023.
3. Maldives (2008–2023): In 2008, Mohamed Nasheed (MDP) became president through democratic elections. By 2010, supporters of former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom protested over corruption, religious extremism, and economic issues.
On January 16, 2012, Nasheed ordered the arrest of Chief Justice Abdullah Mohammed, accused of corruption and opposing him. This led to widespread protests, with the military and police joining in.
Nasheed resigned in February 2012 under alleged duress, handing power to Vice-President Mohammed Waheed Hassan Manik. Nasheed was arrested in 2015 and sentenced to 13 years (later released). In 2013, Abdulla Yameen won elections but faced accusations of suppressing opposition.
In 2018, the Supreme Court overturned convictions of 12 opposition MPs and ordered the release of nine political prisoners, including Nasheed. Yameen ignored the ruling, declared a 15-day emergency, and security forces attacked the court. Under international pressure, elections in September 2018 led to Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (MDP) winning.
Yameen was later arrested for corruption. In 2023, Mohamed Muizzu (PNC) won, straining Maldives-India relations.
4. Bangladesh (2024): Protests began in July 2024 over the quota system for government jobs, escalating due to Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarianism, corruption, and economic issues (inflation, unemployment).
Hasina’s attempts to suppress protests with military force led to over 300 deaths and thousands of arrests. Student leader Naim Ahmed Imad called it a “second war of independence.” Violence peaked from July 16–18, with hundreds killed.
On August 5, Hasina resigned and fled to India. An interim government led by Muhammad Yunus was formed, but challenges like anarchy, corruption, and human rights violations persist.
Post-August 2024, incidents included 637 lynchings (including 41 police officers), 63 rape cases (including children and disabled individuals), over 2,400 hate crimes against Hindus, Ahmadis, and tribals, closure of 500+ factories causing 120,000 job losses, and 878 journalists detained.
The Yunus government faces public backlash with hashtags like #YunusMustGo and #BangladeshCrisis. Elections are expected in February 2026, but failure to form a stable government could deepen instability.
5. Nepal (2025): Political instability, economic crisis, corruption, and nepotism fueled protests in 2025.
In March, pro-monarchy groups formed the “Joint People’s Movement Committee,” demanding the restoration of the Hindu monarchy and the 1991 constitution. The Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) led the movement. Violence during protests in Tinkune killed two civilians. Former King Gyanendra Shah was blamed, and his security was reduced. PM Oli labeled it “terrorism.”
Pro-monarchy hacktivists defaced government websites with images of King Birendra and the old national anthem.
On September 4, 2025, the government banned 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube, citing unregistered operations. Youth called it censorship, leading to violent protests, looting, and arson in Kathmandu and other areas on September 8–9.
The Presidential Palace, media houses, ministers’ residences, and parliament were damaged. PM Oli and several ministers resigned, curfews were imposed, the airport was closed, and the military was deployed. Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel was attacked.
Over the past 15 years, Asia has witnessed multiple regime changes driven by corruption, nepotism, economic crises, and unemployment. These issues have created civil war-like conditions, making it challenging for power-drunk politicians and bureaucracies to maintain law and order. The future remains uncertain, with the potential for further instability in the region.