They are making their own surroundings unsafe

File Photo

Actress Azmeri Haque Badhan has returned to Bangladesh after attending the Venice Film Festival in Italy. She arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday morning (September 14) and later spoke to journalists.

Speaking about those who attacked her in Italy last week, Badhan said, “Those who attacked me are putting themselves in trouble. They think they will get away with it. They physically assaulted me. It was not just that they abused me, chanted slogans from a distance or threw water at me. They laid hands on me. Their brutality must stop. They are making their own surroundings unsafe, not ours.”

Speaking about the role of Italian police following the attack at the film festival, Badhan said, “I was given protection for 24 hours. They were always in the lobby. Wherever I went, they immediately accompanied me. I filed a police complaint on the 8th. The police there provided me with sufficient assistance.”

Urging people not to blindly support political parties, Badhan said, “Your families will suffer. But the senior leaders of the party who are provoking you through audio and video messages do not share your lives. You work hard and send money to Bangladesh. Please do not do these things anymore.”

Badhan said she filed a case in Italy on September 8 over the incident. She also expressed gratitude for the cooperation provided by the Bangladesh Embassy in Italy and the Italian government.

Last week, Badhan travelled to Italy to attend the screening of The Difficult Bride, directed by Rubaiyat Hossain, at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. The film won the Premio Bisato d’Oro award, presented by the Independent Film Critics, at one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals.

Earlier on Monday night (September 7), Bangladesh time, Badhan alleged in a video message posted on her verified Facebook account that she was harassed and assaulted by a group of people while visiting a local park in Italy.

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