'Broiler Chicken Party' hatches online

A Facebook page calling itself the 'Broiler Chicken Party' has emerged amid the ongoing student movement demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon over his alleged remark describing Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinees as "farm chickens".

The page, launched on Tuesday, has no formal organisational structure but quickly gained attention on social media. Carrying the slogan, "We are not insulted. We are awakened," it had around 1,500 followers by 5:30pm, with the number rising to more than 1,800 within half an hour.

The development comes as HSC candidates across the country continue demonstrations against the government's decision to hold examinations despite persistent rainfall and widespread waterlogging in several areas.

The page has been sharing photographs and videos of the protests, along with posts supporting the students' campaign.

Although the identities of those operating the page could not be independently verified, its follower list includes several regional units of the National Citizen Party (NCP) as well as the verified Facebook pages of the National Workers' Party.

In one post directed at the education minister, the page said: "Mr Milon, if these 'farm chickens' had not taken to the streets, someone like you would not be a minister today. You have completely failed to honour the office you hold. Step down with dignity."

The page has attracted widespread attention online, with users actively sharing and commenting on its content. Some social media users have also drawn comparisons with India's satirical "Cockroach Janata Party", which gained prominence earlier this year.

Reacting to the development, Labib Muhannad, associated with the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, wrote on Facebook: "The current generation reacts quickly when they see injustice, and it is difficult to suppress them."

NCP Central Committee leader Mansoor Abdullah also referred to the page, writing: "Some students have launched a Broiler Chicken Party in response to the Education Minister calling this generation broiler chickens."