Shama Obaed slams harassment of Badhan abroad, cites damage to Bangladesh's Image

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today (9 September) strongly condemned the harassment of noted actress Azmeri Haque Badhan in Italy, saying such incidents undermine Bangladesh's image.

"We are against any kind of mob violence and anarchy. We certainly condemn it," she said while responding to questions from journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"This kind of incident, like what happened to Badhan, undermines Bangladesh," she said.

Shama said officials from the Bangladesh Mission in Italy had met Badhan and assured her of assistance for as long as she remains in the country.

The state minister said Bangladesh wants to establish the rule of law in the country after 17 years of human rights violations.

Earlier, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Tuesday informed Parliament that Bangladesh missions in Italy are extending full support and assistance to Azmeri Haque Badhan, who was attacked in Venice on Monday.

"The Bangladesh Embassy in Rome and the Consulate General in Milan are in contact with Badhan and extending all possible consular support and assistance in this regard," he said.

"For 17 years, human rights were violated. We want the rule of law in the country," Shama said.

The United Nations (UN) has recently called for a strengthened and independent national institution that has oversight of security forces.

"In Bangladesh, we have been calling for a strengthened and independent national institution that has oversight of security forces," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk while providing a global update to the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on September 7.

Asked about the issue, Shama said the relevant ministry would take decisions on the matter.

She also said the government is hopeful that Bangladeshi workers will be able to travel to Malaysia soon following the successful visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

"The relevant ministry will tell the exact date," she said.

On Bangladesh-Oman relations, Shama said Oman has expressed interest in recruiting 5,000 farmers and 5,000 fishermen from Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is also talking to the Omani government about easing visa procedures for Bangladeshi nationals, she said, adding that Oman is interested in recruiting skilled Bangladeshi workers.

Meanwhile, Al Sayyid Mohammed Salim Ali Al Said, a member of the Royal Family of the Sultanate of Oman, paid a courtesy call on State Minister Shama Obaed Islam at her office.

The state minister discussed ways to further strengthen Bangladesh-Oman economic relations, including the possibility of opening Oman's labour market to Bangladeshi workers.

Al Sayyid appreciated the valuable contribution of Bangladeshi workers to Oman's development and economic activities and noted that there is considerable scope for further expanding mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

Fathia Ahmed Al Balushi, Chargé d'Affaires of Oman to Bangladesh, and other members of the delegation were present during the meeting.