Attack on Badhon: Bangladesh to raise issue with Italy

Bangladesh will lodge a strong protest with the Italian foreign ministry over the attack on actor Azmeri Haque Badhon in Venice, State Minister-1 for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir told parliament yesterday.

He said the Bangladesh Embassy in Rome and the Consulate General in Milan were in contact with Badhon and providing all necessary consular support and assistance.

“Badhon will lodge a formal complaint with the local police and the embassy, and our embassy will take it up with the Italian foreign ministry in the strongest possible way,” he said.

The issue was raised in parliament by reserved seat MP Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on the foreign ministry, and NCP MP Akhter Hossen.

Badhon, who is currently in Venice to attend the premiere of her film “The Difficult Bride” at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, has said that she was attacked and harassed on Monday while spending time with her brother and his family.

She said attackers threw water, soft drinks, and eggs at her. She also said her mobile phone was knocked out of her hand and she was hit near her ear. Her brother’s young child was present during the incident, according to her account.

She later filed a complaint with local police.

Humaiun Kobir said he spoke to Badhon yesterday afternoon on behalf of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and assured her of full support.

He said local police responded promptly after the incident.

The state minister said Badhon was walking in a park in Venice with her brother, his wife, and their four-year-old child when the incident took place.

He alleged that activists of the Awami League, whose activities are currently suspended, were involved in the attack.

Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal condemned the incident and urged the state minister to keep parliament informed about the steps being taken against the attackers.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said legal action was being taken in Italy over the incident.

Badhon, in a Facebook post, alleged that she was targeted because of her role during the July-August 2024 student-led mass movement.