Attack on Badhan quite alarming

We condemn the assault on actress Azmeri Haque Badhan in Italy, where she is visiting to attend the Venice International Film Festival for the premiere of her film The Difficult Bride. According to Badhan, she was pelted with water, soft drinks and eggs, physically assaulted, and forced to chant pro-Awami League slogans as she was spending time with her brother and his family at a local park. She was also allegedly struck near her ear. Such acts of violence and intolerance, regardless of their place of occurrence, is unacceptable.

Badhan has alleged that she was targeted because of her role in the July uprising in 2024, which ended the 15-year rule of the Awami League. Her participation, like that of countless others, is a matter of public record. She was relatively vocal during the movement and spoke to local and international media against attacks on protesting students. According to her, some of those involved in the recent assault identified themselves as members of Awami League and Chhatra League, whose activities remain banned in the country, as well as “soldiers of Bangabandhu.” In videos shared by her on Facebook, some can be heard calling her a “July militant” and making hostile comments. This is quite disturbing.

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No one should be attacked or humiliated for expressing political views or participating in a democratic movement. Unfortunately, since the uprising, we have witnessed a number of such incidents in other countries, reportedly carried out by remnants of the fallen regime against known supporters or leaders of the uprising—a display meant to discredit the movement and stay politically relevant. Those who claim to represent Awami League should understand that such activities only serve to tarnish our image in countries where so many of our migrants live.

It is, however, good to know that our government has taken the matter seriously and has informed the press that the process of taking legal action has begun in Italy. It must now ensure that Badhan and her family are protected from any further security risk. The Bangladesh embassy in Italy should provide them whatever support is required. Since Badhan has filed a complaint with the local police, we hope the Italian authorities will take appropriate legal action against those found responsible.