Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali has expressed regret amid widespread criticism over his recent remark regarding the use of the term ‘rape.’
In an official statement issued on Monday, the DMP commissioner said, “While discussing violence against women and children, I referred to rape as part of a broader spectrum of abuse. If my statement has hurt anyone, I sincerely regret it.”
The statement was signed by Talebur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) of the DMP.
Earlier, on Saturday, the DMP Commissioner urged journalists to avoid using the term ‘rape’ in media reports, suggesting instead ‘women repression.’
“I strongly dislike the word ‘rape.’ I request that you refrain from using it. Instead, use ‘violence against women’ or ‘repression of women.’ Even the law is titled the ‘Women and Children Repression Prevention Act,” he said. “Let’s avoid words that sound unpleasant,” he added.
Following his comment, five NGOs working on women’s and children’s protection, including Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), Save the Children, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), Manusher Jonno Foundation, and Breaking the Silence, expressed strong reactions. Many members of civil society voiced their anger, demanding the withdrawal of the DMP Commissioner's statement.
However, the Office of the Chief Adviser, in a statement, strongly condemned the remarks made by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali regarding the use of the term ‘rape.’
“Rape is rape, whether committed against an 8-year-old or an 80-year-old. Such a heinous crime must be called by its rightful name,” the statement said on Sunday night.
The CA’s office emphasised that the interim government will not tolerate any form of violence against any citizen of Bangladesh.