Attackers on Badhon must not go unpunished

The attack on actress Azmeri Haque Badhon representing Bangladesh on world stages like the Venice International Film Festival in Italy, is a severe blow to the country’s image. The physical and verbal abuse of an artist by her own compatriots on foreign soil has severely humiliated Bangladesh in the international arena. At a prestigious film festival that was supposed to highlight the positive aspects of the country’s art and culture, this violent behaviour by some activists of the toppled fascist Awami League has portrayed the entire nation as politically intolerant and violent to the outside world.
It is not difficult to understand that Badhon was targeted because of her active role in the student-led mass uprising in July-August 2024, which ended Awami League's 16-year fascist rule relied on oppression, systemic corruption, extrajudicial killings, and the total erosion of the rule of law to maintain absolute power. That the attackers, identifying themselves as activists of Awami League and its banned affiliates, assaulted a woman and attempted to forcefully extract political slogans from her is the biggest proof that the leaders and activists of this political group have not shown the slightest remorse or self-realisation even after killing over 1400 people and being thrown away by people. Their vindictiveness and inclination to suppress dissent even abroad make it clear that their political practices lack democratic values and mirror the traits of a violent criminal gang.
What is more alarming is such incidents may put the social status, visa process and free movement of all Bangladeshis living abroad at risk. So, the state must take strict and visible steps to prevent a recurrence of this heinous incident. The Bangladesh Embassy in Italy must ensure the prompt arrest and trial of the identified individuals involved in this attack through local legal authorities. Besides, strict action must be taken through diplomatic channels against those who tarnish the image of the state and are involved in criminal activities abroad. It is essential to have a permanent policy to ensure consular assistance and necessary security cover for artists representing the country on the international stage. Above all, the state must follow a zero-tolerance policy to send a strong message about expatriates spreading political violence on foreign soil and implement the practice of a healthy political culture.