BNP leader Engineer Ishraq Hossain has apologized for appearing in a photo with a controversial actor during a private television award ceremony.

Ishraq posted an apologizing statement on his verified Facebook page, explaining the incident on Monday (May 19).

He said he attended the award ceremony on May 16 as the chief guest, accepting an invitation from a renowned satellite TV channel. However, he was unaware of who would be present or who he was awarding.

Ishraq clarified that he did not know the actor personally and was not aware of his actions or controversies.

Reflecting on the matter, he mentioned that while living abroad in 2015, he missed several sensitive incidents in the country, which he now recognizes as a personal limitation.

"I sincerely apologize to my beloved brothers and fellow activists who were deeply hurt by this photo. I promise to be more cautious in the future," Ishraq wrote.

MSK/