The family of Monirul Howladar, one of the alleged attackers of actress Azmeri Haque Badhan in Venice, Italy, has left their home in Madaripur amid fears of retaliatory attacks.
Monirul, a migrant worker living in Italy, is from Dhurail union under Madaripur Sadar upazila. His family members reportedly locked their home and went into hiding after news of the incident spread.
Local residents said the family members left the house on Tuesday morning before people could gather there. Two rooms of the house were found locked.
Monirul is the younger son of late Shajahan Howladar of Khalasikandi area in Dhurail union. His mother Aleya Begum and elder brother live in the dilapidated two-room house, while his three sisters are married.
Monirul’s stepbrother Obaidul said Monirul went to Italy about one-and-a-half years ago through Libya, paying Tk28 lakh to a broker. He said Monirul had been involved with the Bangladesh Chhatra League while living in the country and was close to former shipping minister Shajahan Khan and his son Asibur Rahman Khan, a former chairman of Madaripur Sadar upazila.
Obaidul said the family had gone into hiding after hearing about the alleged attack on Badhan in Venice.
“People in the area want Monirul to face justice. They also want him to apologise so that such an incident does not happen again,” he said.
He also accused Monirul of failing to repay the money borrowed to finance his journey abroad and said the family had yet to improve its financial condition.
Monirul’s cousin Rafiqul Islam said Monirul had been involved with the Chhatra League while in Bangladesh and continued his political activities after moving abroad.
“Because of such people, the reputation of Dhurail has been damaged,” he said.
Dhurail Union Parishad Chairman Habibur Rahman Howladar said Monirul had been involved with the Chhatra League in Bangladesh and, according to information he had received, was still involved with the organisation from abroad.
“Whatever happened was not right,” he said.
The chairman said a group led by a person named Anas of Inquilab Mancha came to the area on Tuesday morning but left after he persuaded them not to attack the house. He said they demanded justice against Monirul but did not vandalise the property.
“We have strengthened security at his house, and Madaripur Sadar Police Station are also monitoring the situation,” he said.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Fariha Rafiq Bhavna said police were sent to Monirul’s home immediately after hearing about the incident.
“Police are alert to prevent anyone from attacking the house. We have also informed the union parishad chairman, who is cooperating with us,” she said.
