Have you heard the song ‘Kotha Ko’ by Shezan? While singers from earlier generations were often too afraid to use music as a form of protest, artists like Shezan and Hannan have courageously spoken out. Their rap songs became anthems of the July Uprising in 2024. The new generation is no longer afraid; they are brave and different. But how do we make sense of the difference? What defines different generations? And what are the connections that link them across time?

Although generational labels are rooted in Western ideas and may not universally apply, they can sometimes offer a useful framework for understanding changing social dynamics. The idea of naming generations started in the early 20th century with the ‘Lost Generation’. This referred to those who suffered the aftermath of World War I and the Great Depression.

The naming practice continued with Generation X and then Millennials, eventually reaching Generation Z. Generation Z is a group that grew up entirely in the digital age the first to zoom into the internet.

Growing up with social media, a mobile internet, and a lot of information, Gen Z experiences a paradox: hyperconnected yet often isolated, digitally adept but frequently anxious, free yet persistently stressed. They have also witnessed transformative global events climate crises, political turmoils like the Ukraine-Russia war and the genocide in Palestine that shape the world they are supposed to inherit.

Freedom fighters rejoice in victory, Bangladesh, 1971.

In Bangladesh, the struggle for progress has long been a part of each generation. If the freedom fighters of 1971-largely part of the Baby Boomer generation helped liberate the country, their struggle laid the groundwork for the 1980s’ fight for democracy against autocracy.

Today’s young generation, born around 2000, carries this legacy forward. The 2018 road safety protests and the brutal crackdown that followed marked a significant shift in Gen Z’s consciousness, sharpening their political awareness and reshaping the role of media in their world.

Consequently, the 2024 uprising was led by this generation, who realized the ineffectiveness of political establishments and grew increasingly frustrated with the status quo.

The July Uprising of 2024 signals an urgent call for adaptation. Outdated methods can no longer meet the challenges of today’s world. To truly support Gen Z’s ambitions, we need concrete steps, as political rhetoric has failed them. Only with this commitment can the vision and energy of this generation be given the support they deserve.

 

আপনি কি শেজানের গানকথা কোশুনেছেন? আগের প্রজন্মের গায়করা প্রায়ই সংগীতকে প্রতিবাদের মাধ্যম হিসেবে ব্যবহার করতে ভয় পেতেন, কিন্তু শেজান হান্নানের মতো শিল্পীরা সাহসের সাথে তাদের কথা বলেছেন। তাদের র্যাপ গানগুলি ২০২৪ সালের জুলাই অভ্যুত্থানের সঙ্গীত হয়ে উঠেছিল। নতুন প্রজন্ম আর ভীত নয়; তারা সাহসী এবং ভিন্ন। কিন্তু এই পার্থক্যকে আমরা কিভাবে বুঝব? কীভাবে বিভিন্ন প্রজন্মকে সংজ্ঞায়িত করা যায়? আর সময়ের সাথে সাথে তাদের মধ্যে কী সংযোগ রয়েছে?

প্রজন্মগত লেবেলগুলি পশ্চিমা ধারণার উপর ভিত্তি করে তৈরি এবং এটি সর্বজনীনভাবে প্রযোজ্য নাও হতে পারে, তবে এটি কখনও কখনও সামাজিক গতিশীলতা বোঝার জন্য একটি দরকারী কাঠামো দেয়। প্রজন্মের নামকরণের ধারণাটি ২০ শতকের শুরুতেলস্ট জেনারেশনদিয়ে শুরু হয়েছিল, যা প্রথম বিশ্বযুদ্ধ মহামন্দার প্রভাবে ক্ষতিগ্রস্তদের বোঝায়।

এরপর জেনারেশন এক্স এবং মিলেনিয়ালদের মাধ্যমে এই নামকরণ চলতে থাকে, অবশেষে জেনারেশন জেড পৌঁছায়। জেনারেশন জেড হল এমন একটি গ্রুপ যারা সম্পূর্ণভাবে ডিজিটাল যুগে বড় হয়েছেইন্টারনেটের যুগে প্রথম প্রবেশকারী।

সোশ্যাল মিডিয়া, মোবাইল ইন্টারনেট এবং বিপুল তথ্যের মধ্যে বেড়ে ওঠা জেন জেড একটি বৈপরীত্য অনুভব করে: অতিমাত্রায় সংযুক্ত কিন্তু প্রায়ই বিচ্ছিন্ন, ডিজিটালে দক্ষ কিন্তু প্রায়ই উদ্বিগ্ন, মুক্ত তবুও নিরন্তর চাপে থাকা। তারা বিশ্বব্যাপী রূপান্তরমূলক ঘটনাগুলিও প্রত্যক্ষ করেছেজলবায়ু সংকট, ইউক্রেনরাশিয়া যুদ্ধ এবং ফিলিস্তিনে গণহত্যার মতো রাজনৈতিক অস্থিরতাযা তাদের উত্তরাধিকার সূত্রে পাওয়া বিশ্বকে রূপ দিচ্ছে।

স্বাধীনতা যোদ্ধারা বিজয়ের আনন্দে, বাংলাদেশ, ১৯৭১

বাংলাদেশে অগ্রগতির সংগ্রাম দীর্ঘকাল ধরে প্রতিটি প্রজন্মের অংশ। ১৯৭১ সালের মুক্তিযোদ্ধারাযারা মূলত বেবি বুমার প্রজন্মেরদেশকে স্বাধীন করতে সাহায্য করেছিলেন, তাদের সংগ্রাম ১৯৮০এর দশকে স্বৈরাচারের বিরুদ্ধে গণতন্ত্রের লড়াইয়ের ভিত্তি তৈরি করেছিল।

আজকের তরুণ প্রজন্ম, যারা ২০০০ সালের দিকে জন্মগ্রহণ করেছে, এই উত্তরাধিকার বহন করে চলেছে। ২০১৮ সালের সড়ক নিরাপত্তা আন্দোলন এবং এর পরবর্তী নৃশংস দমনপীড়ন জেন জেডএর চেতনায় একটি বড় পরিবর্তন এনেছে, তাদের রাজনৈতিক সচেতনতা তীক্ষ্ণ করেছে এবং তাদের বিশ্বে মিডিয়ার ভূমিকা পুনর্নির্মাণ করেছে।

ফলে, ২০২৪ সালের অভ্যুত্থান এই প্রজন্মের নেতৃত্বে সংঘটিত হয়, যারা রাজনৈতিক প্রতিষ্ঠানগুলির অকার্যকরতা বুঝতে পেরেছিল এবং স্থিতাবস্থা নিয়ে ক্রমবর্ধমান হতাশ হয়ে পড়েছিল।

২০২৪ সালের জুলাই অভ্যুত্থান একটি জরুরি অভিযোজনের আহ্বান জানায়। পুরানো পদ্ধতিগুলি আর আজকের বিশ্বের চ্যালেঞ্জ মোকাবেলা করতে পারে না। জেন জেডএর উচ্চাকাঙ্ক্ষাকে সত্যিকারভাবে সমর্থন করতে হলে, আমাদের কংক্রিট পদক্ষেপ নিতে হবে, কারণ রাজনৈতিক বাক্যবাগীশতা তাদের ব্যর্থ করেছে। এই প্রতিশ্রুতি দিয়েই কেবল এই প্রজন্মের দৃষ্টিভঙ্গি শক্তিকে তারা যে সমর্থন প্রাপ্য, তা দেওয়া সম্ভব।

Words

Bangla

Synonyms

Antonyms

protest (n/v)

প্রতিবাদ করা

demonstration; objection / oppose

support; approval

anthem (n)

সংগীত /গান

rallying cry; theme song

generation (n)

প্রজন্ম

age group; cohort

courageous (adj)

সাহসী

brave; bold

cowardly; fearful

framework (n)

কাঠামো

structure; system

chaos; disorder

aftermath (n)

পরিণতি

result; consequences

cause; origin

hyperconnected (adj)

অতিরিক্তভাবে সংযুক্ত

constantly online; always connected

disconnected; isolated

isolated (adj)

একাকী

lonely; separated

connected; sociable

adept (adj)

দক্ষ

skilled; proficient

clumsy; incompetent

stressed (adj)

মানসিক চাপে ভোগা

anxious; pressured

relaxed; calm

turmoil (n)

অস্থিরতা / বিশৃঙ্খলা

chaos; upheaval

peace; stability

legacy (n)

উত্তরাধিকার

inheritance; heritage

loss; dispossession

crackdown (n)

কঠোর দমন

suppression; clampdown

tolerance; leniency

status quo (n)

প্রচলিত ব্যবস্থা

existing state of affairs

change; reform

rhetoric (n)

কথার ফুলঝুরি

speech; empty talk

action; silence

commitment (n)

প্রতিশ্রুতি / দায়বদ্ধতা

promise; dedication

apathy; indifference

reshape (v)

পুনর্গঠন করা

reform; restructure

preserve; maintain

digital age (n)

ডিজিটাল যুগ

era of technology

pre-digital era

uprising (n)

বিদ্রোহ

rebellion; revolt

submission; obedience

adaptation/ adapt (n/v)

মানিয়ে নেওয়া

adjust; change

resist; reject

1. What is special about the new songs by Shezan and Hannan?

a) They are very long. b) They are protest songs.

c) They are about love. d) They use old instruments.

2. What kind of songs did Shezan and Hannan sing that became important during the July Uprising?

a) Pop songs b) Rap songs c) Lullabies d) Folk songs

3. The passage says the “new generation is no longer afraid.” What else are they called?

a) Shy and quiet. b) Brave and different.

c) Old and wise. d) Small and weak.

4. When did people start naming generations?

a) Around the year 1800. b) Around the year 1900.

c) Around the year 2000. d) Around the year 1700.

5. What was the “Lost Generation” named after?

a) Winning a big war. b) Hard times after World War I.

c) Discovering new lands. d) Getting lost in a forest.

6. What is special about Generation Z when they were growing up?

a) They grew up without computers. b) They were the first to grow up fully with the internet.

c) They only used books for learning. d) They never had mobile phones.

7. Generation Z uses the internet a lot but sometimes feels what?

a) Very happy. b) Very sleepy. c) Alone or worried. d) Very bored.

8. Which world events did Generation Z see as they grew up?

a) Dinosaurs and volcanoes. b) Big floods and famines.

c) Climate problems and wars. d) New schools being built.

9. Which group of people in Bangladesh helped free the country in 1971?

a) Their grandparents’ generation (Baby Boomers). b) Their parents’ generation (Gen X).

c) Their older brothers and sisters (Millennials). d) Their own generation (Gen Z).

10. What did the freedom fighters of 1971 help start a fight for in the 1980s in Bangladesh?

a) For more schools. b) For democracy (fair rule) against bad rulers.

c) For new roads. d) For better food.

11. What big event happened in 2018 that changed how young people in Bangladesh thought?

a) A big concert. b) Road safety protests.

c) A new park opened. d) A football match.

12. The 2018 protests made Gen Z more aware of what?

a) How to play games. b) How to cook.

c) How to understand politics and news. d) How to draw pictures.

13. What did young people feel about old political groups before the 2024 uprising?

a) They were very helpful. b) They were not doing enough.

c) They were very strong. d) They were too quiet.

14. What does the July Uprising of 2024 tell us is needed now?

a) To use old ways again. b) To make things stay the same.

c) To change and use new ways. d) To stop doing anything.

15. What has NOT helped Gen Z’s dreams, according to the passage?

a) New technologies. b) Talking (political rhetoric).

c) Good education. d) Friendly people.

16. What kind of actions are needed to truly help Gen Z, according to the passage?

a) Just talking about it. b) Sending them messages.

c) Real and clear actions. d) Waiting and watching.

17. What connects different generations in Bangladesh over time?

a) Their favorite foods. b) Their love for progress and fighting for what’s right.

c) Their similar clothes. d) Their favorite movies.

18. Even though naming generations is a Western idea, how can it be helpful?

a) To make jokes about age. b) To understand how society changes.

c) To decide who is older. d) To help people choose jobs.

19. Which generation is described as good with computers but sometimes worried?

a) The Lost Generation. b) Generation X. c) Millennials. d) Generation Z.

20. What is the link between the 1971 freedom fighters and today’s young people in Bangladesh?

a) The young people want to forget 1971. b) The young people are carrying on the fight for good things.

c) There is no link between them. d) The freedom fighters did not like young people.

21. What did the 2018 protests also change for Gen Z regarding news and media?

a) They stopped watching news. b) They changed how they see and use news.

c) They liked old newspapers more. d) They stopped sharing information.

22. What does “first to zoom into the internet” mean for Generation Z?

a) They invented the internet. b) They used the internet a lot from a very young age.

c) They only used the internet for school. d) They were afraid of the internet.

23. What is the main goal when supporting Gen Z, as said at the end of the passage?

a) To control them. b) To ignore their ideas.

c) To give their ideas and energy the help they need. d) To make them follow old rules.

24. What does the passage say about “old ways” after the 2024 uprising?

a) Old ways are now perfect. b) Old ways cannot solve today’s problems.

c) Old ways are the only ways. d) Old ways are getting better.

25. What did growing up with social media mean for Gen Z?

a) They never talked to anyone. b) It was a big part of their lives.

c) They only watched TV. d) They hated social media.

26. Gen Z is “free yet persistently stressed.” What does this mean?

a) They are completely free and happy. b) They have freedom but still feel worried a lot.

c) They are stressed because they are not free. d) They don’t care about freedom.

27. Why are generational names like “Gen Z” sometimes useful?

a) To pick teams for games. b) To understand how people and society change.

c) To count how many people there are. d) To choose who is in charge.

28. Which of these is NOT mentioned as something Gen Z grew up with?

a) Social media. b) Mobile internet.

c) A lot of information. d) Very few computers.

29. What was the 2024 uprising mostly about for young people?

a) A big party. b) Showing they were unhappy with how things were.

c) A new movie. d) Getting new toys.

30. What does “autocracy” mean when talking about the 1980s in Bangladesh?

a) A fair leader. b) One person having all the power.

c) Everyone voting. d) A kind government.

31. What does the passage say about the “ideas and energy” of Gen Z?

a) They are bad and should be stopped. b) They are important and need help.

c) They are too noisy. d) They don’t have any ideas.

32. Who led the 2024 uprising, according to the passage?

a) Older leaders. b) The generation born around 2000.

c) People from other countries. d) School teachers.

33. What did the 2018 protests also change about how Gen Z saw news?

a) They trusted all news blindly. b) They changed how they thought about what news does.

c) They stopped getting news. d) They only watched TV news.

34. The “genocide in Palestine” is mentioned to show what about Gen Z?

a) They only care about local issues. b) They are affected by big world events.

c) They love geography. d) They are very old.

35. What does it mean that Shezan and Hannan were “courageous” to use music for protest?

a) They were very quiet. b) They were brave to speak up.

c) They were afraid of music. d) They only sang in private.

36. What is meant by “political rhetoric has failed them”?

a) Talking by politicians has not helped Gen Z. b) Politicians gave them many gifts.

c) Politicians sang songs for them. d) Politicians built new schools.

37. The phrase “the world they are supposed to inherit” sounds like:

a) A happy gift. b) A responsibility and a challenge.

c) Something they don’t care about. d) A secret treasure.

38. What is the main idea connecting the 1971 fight, the 1980s fight, and the 2024 uprising in Bangladesh?

a) Finding new games. b) The ongoing fight for freedom and making things better.

c) Building new houses. d) Growing more food.

39. What is a “paradox” for Generation Z?

a) When everything is easy. b) When two opposite things seem true at the same time.

c) A simple problem with a simple answer. d) A type of music.

40. Why did Gen Z’s thinking change after the 2018 protests?

a) They learned to bake. b) They saw how strong they could be together and how news works.

c) They decided to stay home more. d) They wanted to be like older generations.

41. What is the main message about the July Uprising of 2024 for how we act next?

a) It was just a one-time event. b) It shows we need to change how we do things.

c) It means we should stop protests. d) It was only about money.

42. What happens to Gen Z because they have “a lot of information”?

a) They become very calm. b) It can make them worried.

c) They know everything perfectly. d) They stop learning.

43. What is the main reason for “generational labels”?

a) To make groups of friends. b) To group people by their age and what they experienced.

c) To decide who is taller. d) To help choose names for babies.

44. Why might old singers have been “afraid to use music as a form of protest”?

a) They couldn’t sing well. b) There was nothing to protest about.

c) They might have faced trouble from rulers. d) Their songs were too slow.

45. The “legacy” that today’s young generation continues is mainly about:

a) Earning a lot of money. b) The ongoing fight for progress and good changes.

c) Watching old movies. d) Being famous.

46. What is needed to fix the problems of today’s world with old ways?

a) More history books. b) Changing and taking real actions.

c) Money from other countries. d) Going back to old ways.

47. The “July Uprising in 2024” shows what about Gen Z?

a) They like to stay online. b) They are brave and want to change things.

c) They don’t care about problems. d) They only care about themselves.

48. What is the most important thing that describes “Generation Z” in the passage?

a) Their favorite foods. b) They grew up fully with the internet.

c) They like to play sports. d) They are very tall.

49. What kind of journey is the “struggle for progress” in Bangladesh for each generation?

a) It’s a quick trip. b) It’s a never-ending journey of making things better.

c) It’s something that only happens once. d) It’s always a failure.

50. What is asked for at the end to help Gen Z’s ideas and energy?

a) More talks and speeches. b) Real actions and promises.

c) Limiting what they can do. d) More old TV shows.

Here are the answers to the 50 MCQ questions:

  1. b) They are protest songs.
  2. b) Rap songs
  3. b) Brave and different.
  4. b) Around the year 1900.
  5. b) Hard times after World War I.
  6. b) They were the first to grow up fully with the internet.
  7. c) Alone or worried.
  8. c) Climate problems and wars.
  9. a) Their grandparents’ generation (Baby Boomers).
  10. b) For democracy (fair rule) against bad rulers.
  11. b) Road safety protests.
  12. c) How to understand politics and news.
  13. b) They were not doing enough.
  14. c) To change and use new ways.
  15. b) Talking (political rhetoric).
  16. c) Real and clear actions.
  17. b) Their love for progress and fighting for what’s right.
  18. b) To understand how society changes.
  19. d) Generation Z.
  20. b) The young people are carrying on the fight for good things.
  21. b) They changed how they see and use news.
  22. b) They used the internet a lot from a very young age.
  23. c) To give their ideas and energy the help they need.
  24. b) Old ways cannot solve today’s problems.
  25. b) It was a big part of their lives.
  26. b) They have freedom but still feel worried a lot.
  27. b) To understand how people and society change.
  28. d) Very few computers.
  29. b) Showing they were unhappy with how things were.
  30. b) One person having all the power.
  31. b) They are important and need help.
  32. b) The generation born around 2000.
  33. b) They changed how they thought about what news does.
  34. b) They are affected by big world events.
  35. b) They were brave to speak up.
  36. a) Talking by politicians has not helped Gen Z.
  37. b) A responsibility and a challenge.
  38. b) The ongoing fight for freedom and making things better.
  39. b) When two opposite things seem true at the same time.
  40. b) They saw how strong they could be together and how news works.
  41. b) It shows we need to change how we do things.
  42. b) It can make them worried.
  43. b) To group people by their age and what they experienced.
  44. c) They might have faced trouble from rulers.
  45. b) The ongoing fight for progress and good changes.
  46. b) Changing and taking real actions.
  47. b) They are brave and want to change things.
  48. b) They grew up fully with the internet.
  49. b) It’s a never-ending journey of making things better.
  50. b) Real actions and promises.

Here are 50 ‘Wh-‘ questions based on the passage, using easier language suitable for a Class 5 student:

  1. Who sings the song ‘Kotha Ko’?
  2. What kind of songs did old singers often not use for protest?
  3. Who are the artists that courageously spoke out through their rap songs?
  4. What happened in 2024 that their rap songs became anthems for?
  5. How is the new generation different from earlier ones?
  6. When did the idea of naming generations start?
  7. What was the “Lost Generation” named after?
  8. Why were people in the “Lost Generation” called that?
  9. Which generations came after the “Lost Generation”?
  10. What is special about Generation Z’s childhood?
  11. Where did Generation Z mostly grow up (in terms of technology)?
  12. What are two things Gen Z grew up with a lot of?
  13. What is one strange thing about Gen Z being “hyperconnected”?
  14. How do Gen Z feel even though they are “free”?
  15. What are some big world problems Gen Z has seen?
  16. When did Bangladesh have freedom fighters?
  17. Which generation were most of the 1971 freedom fighters part of?
  18. What did the freedom fighters help the country do?
  19. What did their fight help start in the 1980s in Bangladesh?
  20. Who is carrying the legacy of struggle forward today in Bangladesh?
  21. When did the road safety protests happen in Bangladesh?
  22. What happened after the 2018 road safety protests?
  23. How did the 2018 protests change Gen Z’s political thinking?
  24. What happened to the role of media for Gen Z after 2018?
  25. Who led the July Uprising of 2024?
  26. What did this generation realize about old political groups?
  27. What did they feel about the way things were (status quo)?
  28. What does the July Uprising of 2024 call for urgently?
  29. Why can’t old methods work for today’s problems?
  30. What has not helped Gen Z’s dreams so far?
  31. What kind of steps are needed to truly help Gen Z?
  32. What should be given to the vision and energy of this generation?
  33. What does the passage say about “generational labels” and where they started?
  34. How can generational labels be useful sometimes?
  35. What is the main feeling that describes Gen Z despite being digitally skilled?
  36. What two specific global conflicts are mentioned that shaped Gen Z?
  37. What happened in Bangladesh in 1971?
  38. What was the fight in the 1980s in Bangladesh against?
  39. What happened to Gen Z’s political awareness after the 2018 protests?
  40. Why were Gen Z frustrated with the status quo?
  41. What kind of songs did Shezan and Hannan make that were special?
  42. What does the passage say about the new generation being “different”?
  43. What is one challenge Gen Z faces despite being “hyperconnected”?
  44. What did the Baby Boomer generation do for Bangladesh?
  45. What lesson did Gen Z learn about political groups before the 2024 uprising?
  46. Why is “concrete steps” important for Gen Z’s ambitions?
  47. What can happen if Gen Z’s vision and energy are given proper support?
  48. What is the general meaning of “struggle for progress” in Bangladesh’s history?
  49. What is special about Gen Z being “the first to zoom into the internet”?
  50. What is the main idea about the connection between different generations?

Here are the full two-sentence answers to the 50 ‘Wh-‘ questions, presented without the questions, in easy language for Class 5:

  1. Shezan is one of the singers who sings the song ‘Kotha Ko’. He is an artist from the new generation.
  2. Singers from earlier times were often afraid to use their music for protest. They usually sang other kinds of songs.
  3. Artists like Shezan and Hannan courageously spoke out. Their rap songs became anthems for protest.
  4. Their rap songs became anthems of the July Uprising in 2024. This uprising was a big protest led by the young generation.
  5. The new generation is no longer afraid to speak up. They are brave and different in how they protest.
  6. The idea of naming generations started in the early 20th century. This was around the time of the ‘Lost Generation’.
  7. The “Lost Generation” was named after people who lived through very hard times. These were the times after World War I and the Great Depression.
  8. They were called “Lost” because they suffered a lot. They lived through a time of war and a very difficult economic situation.
  9. After the “Lost Generation” came Generation X. Then came the Millennials, and finally Generation Z.
  10. Generation Z grew up completely in the digital age. They were the first to experience the internet from a very young age.
  11. Generation Z grew up with a lot of social media and mobile internet. They were always connected to information online.
  12. Gen Z grew up with a lot of social media and mobile internet. They also had access to a lot of information.
  13. Even though Gen Z is very connected online, they sometimes feel alone. This is a strange thing about being hyperconnected.
  14. Even though Gen Z feels free, they are often stressed. They experience a mix of freedom and worry.
  15. Gen Z has seen big world problems like climate crises and wars. They also witnessed sad events like the genocide in Palestine.
  16. Bangladesh had freedom fighters in 1971. They fought to free the country.
  17. Most of the 1971 freedom fighters were largely part of the Baby Boomer generation. They were the older generation at that time.
  18. The freedom fighters helped to liberate Bangladesh. Their struggle laid the groundwork for future fights.
  19. Their fight laid the groundwork for the struggle for democracy in the 1980s. This was a fight against unfair rulers.
  20. Today’s young generation, born around 2000, is carrying this legacy forward. They are continuing the fight for progress.
  21. The road safety protests happened in Bangladesh in 2018. It was a very important event for young people.
  22. After the protests, there was a brutal crackdown. This event deeply affected Gen Z.
  23. The 2018 protests made Gen Z much more aware of politics. It sharpened their political awareness.
  24. The 2018 protests also changed how Gen Z viewed and used media. It reshaped media’s role in their world.
  25. The 2024 uprising was led by this young generation. They were frustrated with how things were.
  26. They realized that old political groups were not effective. They felt that these groups were not solving problems.
  27. They grew increasingly frustrated with the way things were. They felt that the current situation was not good enough.
  28. The July Uprising of 2024 signals an urgent call for change. It means old ways must adapt to new challenges.
  29. Old methods are outdated and can no longer meet the challenges of today’s world. They are not enough to solve current issues.
  30. Political talks and speeches (rhetoric) have failed Gen Z. They need real actions, not just words.
  31. Concrete steps are needed to truly support Gen Z’s ambitions. This means real actions, not just promises.
  32. The vision and energy of this generation should be given the support they deserve. This means giving them the tools and help they need.
  33. Generational labels are ideas that started in Western countries. They may not fit perfectly everywhere.
  34. They can sometimes help us understand how social groups change. They provide a framework for looking at society.
  35. Despite being good with computers and digital things, Gen Z often feels anxious. They are skilled but also worried.
  36. The Ukraine-Russia war and the genocide in Palestine are two global conflicts mentioned. These events shaped the world Gen Z is growing into.
  37. In 1971, Bangladesh had freedom fighters who fought for their country. They worked hard to free their homeland.
  38. The fight in the 1980s in Bangladesh was against autocracy. This means it was against a government where one person had too much power.
  39. After the 2018 protests, Gen Z’s political awareness became much sharper. They started paying more attention to political events.
  40. Gen Z was frustrated with the status quo because they saw that existing political ways were not working well. They wanted things to change, but they weren’t seeing progress.
  41. Shezan and Hannan made rap songs that were special. These songs became anthems of protest during the July Uprising.
  42. The passage says the new generation is “different” because they are brave and not afraid to speak out. They are showing a new way of engaging with problems.
  43. One challenge Gen Z faces despite being “hyperconnected” is feeling isolated. They can be very connected digitally but still feel alone.
  44. The Baby Boomer generation, including many freedom fighters, helped liberate Bangladesh. Their struggle laid the foundation for the country’s freedom.
  45. Before the 2024 uprising, Gen Z learned that political establishments were ineffective. They saw that talking (rhetoric) was not leading to real change.
  46. “Concrete steps” are important for Gen Z’s ambitions because political talk has failed them. Real actions are needed to support their goals.
  47. If Gen Z’s vision and energy are given proper support, their ambitions can be realized. This commitment will allow them to make the changes they want.
  48. The “struggle for progress” in Bangladesh’s history refers to a continuous fight for better conditions. Each generation has contributed to moving the country forward.
  49. Gen Z being “the first to zoom into the internet” means they grew up with it as a constant part of their lives. They were immersed in the digital world from a very young age.
  50. The main idea about the connection between different generations is that each generation builds on the struggles of the previous one. They carry forward the fight for progress over time.