Dhaka to Raise Badhon Attack With Italian Foreign Ministry

Following the incident, Badhan went live on her verified Facebook page and provided details about what happened. She later shared several videos showing the attack and harassment. Photo: Collected

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said on Sunday that Bangladesh will raise the alleged attack on actor Azmeri Haque Badhon with the Italian foreign ministry “in the strongest possible way”.

Badhon, who is currently in Venice for the premiere of her film The Difficult Bride, was allegedly attacked and harassed on Monday while spending time with her brother and his family in Italy.

Badhon said she was pelted with water, soft drinks and eggs and was physically assaulted during the incident.

The Rehana Maryam Noor actor also said her mobile phone was knocked out of her hand and she was struck near her ear. Her brother’s four-year-old child was also present during the incident. Badhon later filed a complaint with local police.

At the start of Sunday’s parliamentary proceedings, BNP reserved-seat MP Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on foreign affairs, and NCP MP Akhter Hossen raised the issue in the House.

Responding in Parliament, Humaiun Kobir 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 launch a formal complaint to the police and the embassy, and our embassy will take it up with the Italian foreign ministry in the strongest possible way,” he said.

On behalf of the prime minister, the state minister said he had spoken to Badhon that afternoon and assured her of full support. He also noted that local police had responded promptly.

“An attack on a July warrior is an attack on the democratic system of this country,” Humaiun Kobir said.

He said Badhon had been in Venice with her brother, sister-in-law and their four-year-old child when she was attacked by alleged activists of the Awami League, whose activities are currently suspended.

He described the incident as a “cowardly attack” and said the government would take steps to bring those responsible to justice.

Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal condemned the incident, describing it as an “extremely unforgivable, condemnable crime” and a brutal manifestation of cruelty.

He urged the state minister to keep Parliament regularly informed about the steps being taken against those responsible for the attack.

Humaiun Kobir also said Bangladesh would continue pursuing its foreign policy independently and would not be subservient to any country.