Minister puffs to spark furore

Social Welfare Minister Syed Mohsin Ali let the law go up in smoke by lighting up a cigarette at a function to give away prizes to students on Monday.

The programme was organised to give award to the students of the Sylhet Border Guard Public School and College who had secured GPA-5 in the last year's Junior School Certificate (JSC) and Primary School Certificate (PSC) examinations.

Ali was seen puffing away with great satisfaction, oblivious of the fact that smoking in public places was a punishable offence that could invite a fine.

A parent who attended the function told bdnews24.com that when speakers were extolling moral virtues and advising the students to dedicate themselves to the service of the country, "the minister felt like lighting a cigarette just then".

The person, who chose to remain anonymous, said invitees, teachers, BGB officials, students and parents were dismayed at the sight of the minister smoking at the function.

Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Mizanur Rahman sat next to the minister. BGP Sylhet Sector Commander Col Md Jamal Mahmud Siddique chaired the event.

The minister rose to address the gathering after the smoke.

School Principal Md Faizul Haque refused comment when contacted for his response to the minister's behaviour.

The social networking sites were, however, flooded with remarks on Ali's smoking fiasco.

An MP from Moulvibazar, Syed Mohsin Ali is a first-time minister.