Social Welfare Minister Syed Mohsin Ali has apologised for smoking publicly during a reception programme of students in Sylhet on Monday.
The minister made the apology from a press conference at his Moulvibazar residence yesterday afternoon.
“I am extremely sorry for the incident. It will not be repeated in the future,” said the Moulvibazar 3 lawmaker.
Earlier in the morning, the minister said sorry to all in his Facebook status. He stated that the incident had 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 status.
“I hope you will pardon me considering my self-realisation,” he added.
The minister triggered huge criticism as he openly smoked on stage at the reception programme for GPA 5 holders in JSC and PSC examinations. He was the chief guest at the event held at Sylhet Border Guard Public School and College.
