Feni District Council Administrator and BNP Joint Convener M A Khalek publicly apologized on Monday after facing widespread criticism for mistakenly referring to the Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Abdul Awal Mintoo, as 'beloved prophet' during a local BNP discussion meeting in Daganbhuiyan. Speaking at a press conference in the district council conference room, Khalek said he had intended to call the minister a 'beloved person' but misspoke. He described the incident as a slip of the tongue and expressed embarrassment, adding that he had already sought forgiveness from Allah.

The controversy began after his remarks at the May 30 event went viral on social media, drawing strong reactions. Islamic scholar Dr. Enayetullah Abbasi called the statement clear disbelief, urging Khalek to repent and reaffirm his faith. Political and social figures also criticized the comment as offensive to religious sentiments and evidence of incompetence.

Khalek has previously faced similar controversies for his statements, including incidents in April and September of earlier years, which he also described as slips of the tongue.