Gen Z’s uproar in Bangladesh, students angry over Education Minister’s remarks; Huge uproar from Dhaka to Chittagong

Gen Z Protest In Bangladesh: Once again a wave of student power is being seen on the streets in Bangladesh. Just five months after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government came to power, the country’s Gen Z generation has taken to the streets demanding reforms in the education system.

Students have opened front in many big cities of the country including the capital Dhaka, due to which the problems of the government have increased. The root of this protest lies not only in administrative failure but also in an insulting comment by the Education Minister.

How did the controversy start?

The controversy began in early July over the issue of ‘Higher Secondary Certificate’ (HSC) and equivalent examinations. About 13 lakh students from across the country were appearing in these examinations. The examinations had started smoothly from July 2, but torrential rains in the second week worsened the situation. Due to heavy rains, there was severe flood in Chittagong area and metropolitan cities like Dhaka and Chittagong were submerged.

In this situation, the Ministry of Education postponed the examinations in five districts under Chittagong Education Board, but decided to continue the examinations in the remaining boards. This dual policy created huge resentment among the students, as in other districts like Comilla too, students were forced to reach the examination center amidst knee-deep water and storm.

Why did students get angry in Bangladesh?

The anger of the students erupted when an alleged audio of Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haq Milan went viral on social media. In this audio, the minister was talking to the parent of a student and he allegedly asked her to buy ‘farm chickens’ Used words like.

This derogatory comment added fuel to the fire. According to local media reports, students in at least 13 districts, including Dhaka, Chittagong and Comilla, staged violent protests, blocking roads and gheraoing the offices of education boards.

Government called emergency meeting

In view of the increasing protests, Prime Minister Tariq Rehman held an emergency meeting with the Education Minister at the Parliament House on 14 July. Soon after, Education Minister Milan, softening his tough stance, apologized for his statement in Parliament.

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He admitted that students faced serious difficulties due to heavy rains and waterlogging. On 15 July, the government announced that re-exams would be held specifically for students who were unable to take the exams due to bad weather.