Bangladesh's Gen Z shook the nation by toppling autocratic Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a violent youth uprising. Rahat Hossain, 24, became a symbol after risking his life to save his shot friend during crackdowns that killed up to 1,400. The massive protests forced Hasina to flee and ended decades of rule by her Awami League party. The movement, led by students, formed the National Citizen Party (NCP) to carry forward their vision of a fair Bangladesh. But now, as the general election nears, the student party is weak and divided. Key women activists have quit, accusing alliances with Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami of sidelining them. Jamaat, a controversial party with roots back to 1941, has gained strong support among young voters despite its disputed past during Bangladesh's 1971 war of independence. Jamaat's leader Shafiqur Rahman promises to fight corruption and restore justice. For many young voters, including Hossain, Jamaat seems a credible alternative to the NCP. Jamaat’s student wing recently won a major victory in university elections, signaling strong grassroots power. The BNP, long rival to Hasina's party and marked by its own political dynasty, is also rising. Its leader, Tarique Rahman, returned from exile after the uprising and is contesting the election amid promises of democratic reforms. Sheikh Hasina remains in exile with senior Awami League leaders. The party is banned from this election, leading to warnings of resistance if elections proceed without them. Accusations of political suppression and violence during her rule remain contested. Rahat Hossain, reflecting by the spot where his friend was killed, waits for justice from ongoing trials against police. Despite the revolution’s impact, he admits the promised "new Bangladesh" is still a hope, saying, "One cannot expect mangoes from a tamarind tree." Next week’s election will reveal if Bangladesh’s youth uprising truly changed the political game or if old powerhouses will regain control.