This resurgence of activism comes less than five months after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) assumed power.

The unrest coincides with adverse weather conditions affecting the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations, which began on July 2 and involve approximately 1.3 million candidates. The second week of July saw heavy rainfall that disrupted the exams, leading to significant flooding in the Chittagong area and severe waterlogging in major cities like Dhaka.

In response to the flooding, the Ministry of Education decided to suspend exams in five districts under the Chittagong Education Board. However, the decision to continue exams in other regions sparked outrage among students, as reported by an online publication.

"While Chittagong faced the worst flooding, other areas, including Comilla, also experienced harsh weather. Students had to navigate through knee-deep water to reach their exam centers, often getting soaked and battling storms. Many were compelled to take exams while unwell or unprepared, leading to understandable frustration among students and their families," the report stated.

Students' anger was further fueled by a leaked audio recording of Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon, in which he made dismissive comments about students getting wet. His reference to students as "farm chickens" ignited widespread outrage.

According to local media, protests erupted in at least 13 districts, including Dhaka, Chittagong, and Comilla, with students blocking roads and staging rallies. In Dhaka, demonstrators chanted sarcastic slogans like "Who are you? Who are we? Farm chicken!" while obstructing major intersections.

In light of the escalating protests, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman convened an emergency meeting with Minister Milon on July 14. Following this, Milon publicly apologized in Parliament for his remarks and acknowledged the challenges posed by the severe weather. He also announced plans for alternative exam arrangements for affected students.

The situation underscores the need for the government to exhibit greater sensitivity and foresight to prevent such issues from escalating. A robust education system must prioritize the feelings and concerns of students in a democratic society.