Badhon Allegedly Attacked in Venice, Italian Police Investigate

Bangla Press Desk:   Bangladeshi actor Azmeri Haque Badhon has received support from Bangladesh’s embassy in Rome and consulate in Milan after she alleged she was attacked at Mestre in Venice.

Badhon filed a police complaint on Tuesday, naming eight Bangladesh nationals, whom she accused of being involved in the alleged incident.

The group, whom she described as supporters of the Awami League and Chhatra League, threw water, soft drinks, and eggs at her and physically assaulted her. Her phone was also knocked from her hand, she said.

Badhon added that the "attack" was linked to her active role in the 2024 July Uprising. Her brother, sister-in-law and their 4-year-old child were with her during the incident.

She was in Venice with the cast and crew of The Difficult Bride, directed by Rubaiyat Hossain, for the Venice International Film Festival.

The Bangladesh Consulate General in Milan is treating the matter with seriousness, acting on instructions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Italy is assisting Badhon and maintaining communication with the relevant authorities, Labour Consul at the Milan consulate Mehruba Islam said.

“Acting on the instructions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we came to Venice and met Azmeri Haque Badhon to hear the details of the incident. We have requested the local administration to ensure that the suspects are brought to justice following the investigation,” she added.

State Minister Humayun Kabir also said Badhon was receiving the highest level of consular support. He added, “The Bangladesh embassy will also raise the matter with Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the strongest possible terms.”

Italy’s La Stampa newspaper reported that police’s Digos unit had opened an investigation and examined security camera footage from the area.

Bangladeshi community leaders in Italy have also criticised the alleged attack, saying political differences should never lead to violence against an artist or any individual.