Published: 11:13 PM, 08 September 2026
Parliament condemns assault on actress Badhan in Venice
Popular Bangladeshi actress Azmeri Haque Badhan was attacked by assailants in Venice, Italy. She uploaded this picture on her verified Facebook page yesterday. -Collected
Bangladesh Parliament on Tuesday expressed deep regret and concern over the assault on acclaimed Bangladeshi actress Azmeri Haque Badhan in Venice, Italy, and called for swift action against those responsible.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir told the Jatiya Sangsad that the Bangladesh government would urgently request the Italian law enforcement authorities to investigate the incident, identify the attackers and bring them to justice.
“We will urgently ask the Italian law and order authorities to find out the attackers and take stern action against them,” the state minister said while responding to queries raised by lawmakers.
The incident involving Badhan, who was reportedly in Venice in connection with professional activities, drew strong reactions from members of Parliament. Lawmakers condemned the alleged assault and stressed that the safety and dignity of Bangladeshi citizens abroad must be protected.
BNP parliamentarians particularly voiced their concern, describing Badhan as a “July warrior” and saying that she had played a key role in the events surrounding the July Uprising.
They said any attack on a person associated with the July movement should not be viewed merely as an isolated incident against an individual. Rather, they asserted, an assault on a July fighter was tantamount to an attack on the spirit of the July Uprising.
The lawmakers urged the government to take up the matter with the Italian authorities at the highest appropriate level and ensure that a proper investigation is conducted.
They also called for necessary diplomatic measures to ensure that the perpetrators face stern legal consequences under Italian law.
The state minister assured the House that the government would remain engaged with the relevant Italian authorities and would seek details of the incident through diplomatic channels.
The discussion in Parliament reflected growing concern over the treatment and security of Bangladeshi citizens overseas. Lawmakers stressed that diplomatic missions should respond promptly whenever Bangladeshi nationals face violence, harassment or threats abroad.
The incident has also generated public concern in Bangladesh, with many expressing solidarity with Badhan and demanding that those responsible be identified and punished.
Parliament’s discussion underscored the government’s responsibility to protect the rights and dignity of Bangladeshi citizens abroad while ensuring that allegations of violence are properly investigated through the legal mechanisms of the country concerned.
