Bangladesh Students Protest Exam Disruptions Amid Flooding Crisis

Itanagar, India Jul 18, 2026 ALN: Bangladesh has been gripped by a fresh wave of student protests, with Gen Z returning to the streets in Dhaka and other cities to press for education reforms less than five months after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government came to power, a report has stated.

The tensions emerged amid worsening weather conditions during the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations. The exams, which commenced on July 2 and involved nearly 1.3 million candidates, were disrupted by torrential rain during the second week of July. The heavy downpours caused widespread flooding in the Chittagong region and severe waterlogging in major cities, including Dhaka and Chittagong.

As floods wreaked havoc in several parts of Bangladesh, the Ministry of Education suspended examinations in five districts under the Chittagong Education Board. The move to keep exams on schedule in other education boards, however, sparked outrage among students, according to a report in an online magazine, The Diplomat.

"While the flooding was worst in Chittagong, the weather was also hostile in other places, including Comilla. Examinees had to reach their centres by wading through knee-deep water, getting drenched, and facing storms and rain. Many students were forced to take exams while sick or without proper preparation and peace of mind. In such a disastrous situation, it is natural for anger to brew among students and their parents," the report detailed.

Bangladesh Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon further intensified students' anger after an audio recording of his phone conversation with the parent of a female examinee went viral on social media.

In the clip, Milon was heard apparently saying, "In a meeting, someone was saying that if my daughter gets a little wet, she gets a fever. I said that these are farm chickens. If they get a little wet, they get a fever." The remark, particularly the reference to "farm chickens," triggered widespread anger among students, the report noted.

Citing local media reports, The Diplomat mentioned that students staged protests in at least 13 districts across Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Chittagong, and Comilla, blocking roads, surrounding education boards, and holding rallies.

In Dhaka, the protestors also took to the streets, raising sarcastic slogans such as “Who are you? Who are we? Farm chicken!” while blocking key intersections in the capital.

Amid mounting protests, Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met Education Minister Milon in an emergency meeting at the Parliament building on July 14. Following the meeting, Milon apologised in Parliament for his comments, acknowledging the difficulties caused by heavy rain and waterlogging. On July 15, he announced that fresh exam arrangements would be made for students who had been unable to appear, the report mentioned.

The protests reflect a broader discontent among students regarding the education system in Bangladesh, which has faced criticism for being rigid and not accommodating the realities of students' lives. Many students and parents feel that the government has not been responsive enough to the challenges posed by natural disasters, which are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change. The flooding in Chittagong and other regions has been exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and urban planning, leaving many areas vulnerable during the monsoon season.

Historically, student activism in Bangladesh has played a significant role in shaping the political landscape. From the Language Movement of 1952 to the protests against the military regime in the 1990s, students have often been at the forefront of demanding social and political change. The current protests are a continuation of this legacy, as young people express their frustrations not only with the immediate issues surrounding the exams but also with the broader educational policies and governance in the country.

Moreover, the student protests coincide with a critical period for the BNP government, which has been under scrutiny since taking office. The government's handling of the education sector, particularly during crises, is being closely monitored by both the public and political analysts. The recent protests may signal a growing trend of activism among young people, who are increasingly willing to voice their concerns and demand accountability from their leaders.

The implications of these protests extend beyond the immediate context of the HSC examinations. They highlight the need for the government to engage with students and parents in a more meaningful way, particularly in times of crisis. As climate change continues to pose significant challenges for countries like Bangladesh, it is essential for the government to develop more resilient education policies that can adapt to the realities of natural disasters.

Furthermore, the incident involving the Education Minister's remarks raises questions about the sensitivity of government officials to the struggles faced by ordinary citizens. In a democratic society, public officials are expected to be empathetic and responsive to the needs of the populace. The backlash against Milon's comments illustrates how quickly public opinion can shift against leaders who appear out of touch with the difficulties faced by the people they serve.

In response to the protests, it is likely that the government will need to take further steps to address the grievances of students and their families. This may include revising examination schedules, providing additional support for students affected by flooding, and engaging in dialogue with student organizations to better understand their concerns.

As the situation develops, it will be crucial for all stakeholders—government officials, educators, students, and parents—to work together to find solutions that prioritize the well-being of students and ensure that education remains accessible and equitable, even in the face of natural disasters. The ongoing protests serve as a reminder of the power of youth activism and the importance of listening to the voices of the next generation as they advocate for their rights and futures.

Ultimately, the events surrounding the HSC examinations and the subsequent protests may serve as a catalyst for broader educational reforms in Bangladesh. By addressing the immediate issues and the underlying systemic problems within the education sector, the government has an opportunity to foster a more inclusive and resilient educational environment that can better withstand the challenges posed by climate change and other crises in the future.