State minister visits Badhon after Italy attack, actress thanks govt

Actress Azmeri Haque Badhon has expressed gratitude to the government after State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir visited her home on Tuesday on behalf of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to inquire about her and her family.

Badhon said the state minister’s visit and the government’s support following her recent assault in Italy had reassured her and strengthened her confidence in the state.

“I am deeply honoured and grateful for his sincerity, courtesy and sense of responsibility,” Badhon said in a Facebook post.

She said a democratic state’s greatest strength lies in its people and that citizens’ trust grows when the state takes responsibility for protecting their safety, dignity and rights.

Badhon also thanked the Bangladesh government, the prime minister, the Bangladesh Embassy in Italy, the Italian government and police, as well as those at home and abroad who had supported her and checked on her and her family after the incident.

The actress said the experience had reinforced her belief that unity, courage and a sense of responsibility towards others are the strongest tools against injustice, fear and division.

“Differences of opinion may exist, but there can be no compromise over a citizen’s safety, dignity and rights,” she wrote.

Badhon returned to Bangladesh on Monday after attending the Venice premiere of her film The Difficult Bride. Earlier she was attacked and harassed by people who identified themselves as Awami League and Bangladesh Chhatra League activists. She said she was pelted with water, soft drinks and eggs and physically assaulted, allegedly because of her role in the July-August 2024 student-led mass movement.