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Actress Azmeri Haque Badhon has called for an end to what she described as “barbaric” attacks after returning to Bangladesh from Italy, where she alleged she was harassed and attacked while attending the Venice Film Festival.
Speaking to reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday morning after returning from Italy, Badhon said, “Those who are attacking me, I think they are putting themselves in danger. They must stop this barbaric behaviour.”
“They physically assaulted me. I believe the attackers are making themselves unsafe by doing this. What happened in Italy is really unfortunate. It has tarnished our image abroad,” she said.
Badhon also criticised those who attacked her for what she described as political loyalty.
“You are doing this because you love the party, but when your families suffer, the party leaders will not be there for you. They are living comfortably and sending video messages,” she said.
Referring to the role of Italian police, Badhon said she was provided with security for 24 hours after the incident. She also said she received cooperation from local police and relevant authorities during her stay in Italy.
On September 7, Badhon alleged that a group of expatriate Bangladeshis harassed and attacked her while she was staying with family members in Mestre, Italy. A video of the incident later circulated on social media.
According to various reports, water and soft drinks were thrown at Badhon and she was allegedly physically assaulted. The video showed several people engaged in a heated exchange with her.
Following the incident, Badhon filed a complaint with local police. Italian authorities began analysing video and CCTV footage to identify those allegedly involved.
The incident triggered widespread concern in Bangladesh and Italy over Badhon’s safety. Bangladesh’s embassy and consulate in Italy said they would provide her with legal and other assistance, while the Bangladesh government also expressed concern and said it would raise the matter with Italy’s Foreign Ministry.
Badhon had earlier taken a firm stance over the incident, saying she would pursue the matter to its conclusion.
