Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon expressed regret in Parliament on Tuesday for his “Broiler Murgi” [farm chicken] comment targeting HSC examinees, that drew widespread criticism from students and guardians.
Speaking during an unscheduled discussion chaired by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal, Milon addressed the controversy surrounding a now viral phone conversation. He clarified that he had no motive to hurt anyone with his remarks.
“If anyone is hurt, I simply express regret,” the minister said during the session on Tuesday evening.
The controversy erupted after a video of a WhatsApp conversation between Milon and the guardian of an HSC examinee from City College circulated on social media.
In the video, while discussing the physical health of students amidst inclement weather, Milon was heard referring to the examinees as “Broiler Murgi” who catch a fever if they get slightly wet in the rain.
Milon’s remarks came at a time when students and parents were intensifying demands to postpone ongoing examinations due to heavy rainfall. Addressing the House, Milon noted that students had been marching toward the Parliament building to press for their demands.
He acknowledged the difficulties faced by students during recent exams for Physics (2nd paper), Accounting, and Logic, noting that many examinees were drenched in the rain.
“We have already suspended examinations in Chattogram,” Milon informed Parliament, adding that the authorities had been monitoring the situation and that the postponed exams would eventually need to be rescheduled.
Meanwhile, a page titled “Broiler Chicken Party” has emerged on Facebook, shortly after Milon’s comment went viral on social media. The group claims to be on the students’ side and already have nearly 400 members.
