Italian media reports on Badhan’s harassment, law enforcers move to nab attackers

Bangladeshi actress and model Azmeri Haque Badhan, the star of Rubaiyat Hossain's film "The Difficult Bride," selected in the Orizzonti section of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, was attacked in Venice recently, popular Italian newspaper Il Gazzetino reported.

She was beaten and insulted in Mestre by several Bangladeshis , who accused her of being a "July fighter," referring to the protesters who were injured or involved in the mass pro-democracy uprising that took place in July and August 2024, which led  to the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, the newspaper added.

The artist's political involvement in Bangladesh sparked the attack. The Italian Special Operations Division (DIGOS) is investigating the incident to reconstruct the circumstances of the incident and identify the perpetrators, who were filmed on camera and even seen by the victim, the newspaper further said.

The ambush in the hotel

The attackers met the woman at a hotel where she was staying in Mestre and, after recognising her, slapped her in the face. The victim herself recounted the aftermath in a lengthy post on social media, where she admitted she feared they would kill her.

"I went to the park with my brother and his family, and many of our Bangladeshi brothers came and physically assaulted me," she wrote. "They threw water and other objects at me. My brother's young son was also with me, and these people physically attacked me. They even took my phone and hit me."

"I had the feeling they could kill me."

And then she adds: "They told me I was a 'July fighter,' and I said, 'Yes, I am.' I participated in the July movement. They told me they were supporters of Bangabandhu and forced me to say "Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu." The actress recounts how the Bengali "brothers" were filming her and broadcasting the footage live online.

"For those who don't know," she continues, "the film I'm bringing from Bangladesh to the film festival is directed by Rubaiyat Hossain, whose father was a respected minister. I worked with him and continued to work even after July." And addressing the attackers: "What you did today shows that you thought you could rebuild your position this way, but I don't think you succeeded."

She adds: "To those of you who are connected to these people or who have responsibilities within your party, I say that you should be more aware of these issues. Because no human being, regardless of their identity or religion, can tolerate something like this."

The tone becomes dramatic: "Today I even had the feeling they might kill me, the way they attacked me. I had simply gone for an evening walk in a park near the hotel where I'm staying. My brother was with me, along with his small child, who isn't even four years old yet. The child was screaming and crying, while they cheered.

They called me sexist and vulgar insults. And then you mean to say that Bangladeshi women will be safe with you? Thank you so much for your behaviour. Today, all of Bangladesh will know about it. The whole world will know about it. Because you harassed an actress like this who came to an international film festival with a film, and you're even proud of it. You think this is what should be done, that this is the right way to behave, Badhon wrote.

“They told me we won't be able to live anywhere in the world. We, on the other hand, live in Bangladesh. So go back to the country. Go back and further strengthen your position there," Badhon lamented.

Legal steps

Meanwhile, Minister (Press) at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC Golam Mortoza said in a social media post that Badhan has filed a case against those involved in the alleged attack, whom she identified as Awami League activists.

“I just spoke to Badhan over the phone in detail. Two officials from the Bangladesh Embassy in Italy came to Venice on Tuesday. Accompanied by the two officials and Italian police, Badhon went to the police station and completed the process of filing the case,” Mortoza said.

Video footage of the alleged perpetrators has been provided to the police. Reports about Badhan being subjected to harassment and assault have been published in Italy’s mainstream media, Mortoza added.

I never bow my head and never will: Badhon

The organisers of the Venice Film Festival have taken the matter very seriously, as Badhan is an invited guest of the festival. Since an attack took place against one of the festival’s guests, the organisers have also informed the police about the incident. Badhan was originally scheduled to stay in Venice for two days.

However, the festival organisers have now told her that she can stay for as long as she wishes and that they will make all the necessary arrangements, Mortuza further said.

Badhan will return to Dhaka after the festival, while the case will remain ongoing. The embassy and Badhon’s brother will remain in contact with the police. At some point, Badhan will have to return to Venice to testify.

The police asked her whether she would be able to come back. Badhan replied, “Of course, I will come.”

“The Bangladesh government has taken the matter very seriously. I am not going into further details at this moment. More information will be provided in due course. Badhan has expressed her gratitude to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, the Bangladesh Embassy in Italy, Bangladeshis living in Italy, and everyone else who stood by her,” Mortoza concluded.