DHAKA: Acknowledging his smoking openly as a misdeed, Social Welfare Minister of incumbent government Syed Mohsin Ali on Tuesday sought apology to the countrymen and promised not to smoke in public functions in the future.

He made a phone call to banglanews on Tuesday noon and said, “I am ashamed for the whole thing. I was not aware of my smoking. I hope people will see it in a forgiving manner.”

Minister Syed Mohsin Ali also promised not to repeat the matter in the future.

Awami League leader also told that his habit grew after returning from the captivity of Pakistani Army in 1971.

In his facebook page also, minister asked forgiveness of the countrymen for his smoking in a public function.

On Monday, Social Welfare Minister Syed Mohsin Ali started smoking on the stage for felicitating the students of Sylhet Public School and College who acquired GPA-5 in Junior School Certificate (JSC) and Primary School Certificate (PSC) examinations.

Banglanews24.com published the matter on the day.

BDST: 1402 HRS, JAN 28, 2014