Social Welfare Minister Syed Mohsin Ali has apologised for smoking on the stage during a reception programme for GPA holders on Monday.
In his Facebook status, Mohsin Ali said he was extremely sorry and that the incident happened unconsciously.
“I am embarrassed by the picture of mine which has been published in several news media. I am not denying that I am a chain smoker, but smoking in public was obviously not right," reads the Facebook status.
The minister also promised the incident would not be repeated in future.
“I hope you will pardon me considering my self-realisation,” he added in the facebook status.
The minister triggered huge criticism as he openly smoked on stage in a reception for GPA-5 holders in JSC and PSC examinations in Sylhet on Monday.
Mohsin Ali, MP of Moulavibazar-3 constituency, was the chief guest in the reception programme at Sylhet Border Guard Public School and College.
