Popular actor and presenter Shahriar Nazim Joy has condemned the alleged harassment of actress Azmeri Haque Badhan in Italy and called for the safety of all artists, regardless of their political affiliations.
In a verified Facebook post on Tuesday, Joy said artists should be protected both at home and abroad and reiterated his opposition to mob violence.
“I demand that the safety of all artists, regardless of political affiliation, be ensured both at home and abroad. I have never supported mob violence, and I never will,” he wrote.
Joy also urged artists to stand by their colleagues whenever they face danger.
“If another artist is in trouble, do not laugh at them as a fellow artist. Those who laughed when you were in trouble were also wrong. At some point, we have to stop. Artists should remain united. Keep artists united,” he wrote.
His comments came after Badhan alleged that she was assaulted and harassed while in Venice.
In a video message posted on Facebook late Monday night, Badhan said she was visiting a local park with her brother’s family when several people allegedly attacked her.
According to the actress, the group threw Coke and eggs at her, physically assaulted her and threw her mobile phone away.
Badhan also alleged that the attackers harassed her by calling her a “July fighter” and forced her to chant “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu” while recording the incident.
She said she was also subjected to verbal abuse.
“I was physically assaulted. My brother’s wife was also pushed. You need to stop this kind of irrational behaviour. You cannot redeem yourselves by behaving this way,” Badhan said in the video.
She also asked that the incident be brought to the attention of Sajeeb Wazed Joy, whom she said was also in Venice at the time.
Meanwhile, several videos circulating on social media appear to show a group of people claiming to be Bangladesh Chhatra League activists confronting Badhan. Allegations have also emerged that they called her a “July terrorist” and attempted to harass her.
The incident has triggered widespread discussion and criticism on social media, with several artists expressing solidarity with Badhan.
Joy’s statement has brought renewed attention to the safety of artists and the need for solidarity among colleagues, while also making clear his opposition to mob harassment.
