'This is unbearable', says ex Advisor Asif Nazrul
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Former advisor to the interim government, Dr. Asif Nazrul, has strongly criticised the actions of some Awami League activists who carried out an attack on actress Azmeri Haque Badhon.
He expressed his protest today, Tuesday, in a post on his verified Facebook ID.
In the post, Asif Nazrul wrote that he is astonished by the activities of some Awami League workers. Not only did they attack actress Badhon in this manner, but they are also openly publicising their own actions and keeping undeniable evidence of their deeds.
He raised the question: "If action is taken against you now, you will have to return empty-handed. Will that be good for you? Will that be good for your families?"
Addressing Awami League workers, Asif Nazrul further wrote: "Brothers, for whom are you doing all this? For the new avatar of Sajeeb Wazed Joy? Do you really believe that his heart or his mother's heart weeps for you? Do you truly believe they can change your fate?"
He continued, "Do you really believe that if you face a miserable end, they will help you?"
Asif Nazrul called on Awami League activists to refrain from endangering themselves and tarnishing the country's honour. Advising them to work abroad lawfully if they love the party, he wrote that they should try to understand, even secretly, why people from various classes and professions in Bangladesh risked their lives to stand against Sheikh Hasina.
He also called for questioning the role of party leaders, saying: "Question the selfish leaders of the party. First and foremost, keep yourself safe."
Asif Nazrul also recounted an incident involving himself. He said: "Two years ago, after a mob action against me in Geneva, I had the opportunity to take action. I did not. But after that, some of you have become far dirtier and more reckless."
"This is unbearable" — the former adviser noted at the end of the post.
Bangladeshi actress Azmeri Haque Badhon was attacked in Venice, Italy. The actress made the allegation in a Facebook live broadcast on Tuesday night. Badhon pointed the finger at expatriate Awami League activists for the attack.
In the Facebook live, the actress alleged: "I had gone to a park with my brother's family. There, many of our Bangladeshi brothers came and physically harassed me. They threw water and Coke at me. I was completely drenched."
Badhon said: "They laid hands on me, threw my phone away, and struck me near my ear. They said I am a July fighter – yes, I am. I certainly participated in the July movement."
The actress had gone to the Venice Film Festival with her film. Afterwards, she was spending time with her relatives.
"They forced me to chant 'Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.' They recorded those videos. They were live-streaming and uploading them," Banhon added.
The actress further said: "I would say that you should have stepped back from this incoherent behaviour, but you could not. You thought that perhaps by doing this, you could later re-establish your position. I don't think that will happen."
