Dhaka, June 25 -- BNP leader Ishraque Hossain has called on Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain to apologise for what he described as "offensive and insulting" remarks about recent demonstrations in Dhaka South.

On Wednesday, Ishraque said Asif had demeaned thousands of residents of Dhaka South by suggesting that a BNP leader from Cumilla instigated the protests led by Ishraque and that logistical and financial support had been provided from outside, according to bdnews24.com reports.

"Such remarks equate a spontaneous civic movement to a manipulated show orchestrated by external actors. This is a grave insult to the people of Dhaka who braved storms, rain, and extreme heat to demand their rights," Ishraque said.

"Asif ...