DMP commissioner regrets remarks on ‘rape’

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali has expressed regret over his recent remarks regarding rape, following widespread discussions and criticism.

In an official statement issued today, 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.

His regret came in response to backlash over the commissioner’s comments at a recent event, where he reportedly suggested media to use alternative terminology for rape, arguing that the word sounds “unpleasant”.

On Saturday, DMP Chief Sajjat Ali told at a programme, “I strongly dislike the word ‘rape’. I request you not to use it. Instead, use terms like ‘violence against women’ or ‘repression of women’. Even the law is called the ‘Women and Children Repression [Prevention] Act.’ Let’s avoid words that sound unpleasant.”

The remarks have sparked outrage among rights activists and the general public.

The Chief Adviser’s Office yesterday condemned the DMP commissioner’s call on the media not to use the term “rape” in their reporting.

“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,” said a statement issued by the CA Press Wing.

The interim government will not tolerate any form of violence against any citizen of Bangladesh, added the statement.