Actress Azmeri Haque Badhan said on Monday that those who attacked and harassed her in Italy were “inviting trouble for themselves” and called for an end to their “barbaric” behaviour.
“Those carrying out the attacks are, I think, inviting trouble for themselves. Their barbaric behaviour must stop,” Badhon told reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after returning to Bangladesh from Italy.
Badhon travelled to Italy to attend the Venice Film Festival, where she alleged that a group of expatriate Bangladeshis attacked and harassed her.
“They laid hands on me. I think by doing this, the attackers are making themselves unsafe. What happened in Italy was unfortunate. It has tarnished our image on foreign soil,” she said.
Addressing those who attacked her, Badhon said they might be acting out of loyalty to a political party, but warned that party leaders would not stand by their families if they faced difficulties.
“You are doing this out of love for your party, but when your families suffer, the party leaders will not be there. They are living comfortably and sending video messages,” she said.
Badhan also praised the Italian police for their response, saying she was provided with 24-hour security after the incident and received cooperation from local police and relevant authorities during her stay.
On the night of September 7, Badhan 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 widely on social media. Various reports said water and soft drinks were thrown at her and that she was physically assaulted.
The video showed several people engaged in a heated exchange with Badhon. She later filed a complaint with the local police, who began analysing video and CCTV footage to identify those involved.
The incident triggered widespread concern over Badhan’s safety in both Bangladesh and Italy. The Bangladesh Embassy and Consulate in Italy said they would provide her with legal and other assistance.
The Bangladesh government also expressed concern and said it would raise the matter strongly with Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
FP/A
