DMP commissioner expressed regret over remark on 'rape'

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali has expressed regret over his earlier remark on using the word 'rape.'

In a statement issued Monday, he said, 'During the discussion on violence against women and children, I referred to rape as a broader form of violence. I apologize if anyone was offended by my statement.'

On Saturday, the DMP commissioner requested the media to avoid using the word "rape" and, instead, to use the term "violence against women."

He made this request during his speech as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the "Help" app aimed at ensuring women’s safety in public transport, held on Saturday, at the Daily Star building on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue in Dhaka.

In the speech, he said, "I really dislike two words, one of which is rape. I kindly request you all not to use this term. Instead, please use violence against women or women's oppression. Our law also uses the term violence against women and children. Words that sound unpleasant, let's refrain from using them."

The remark drew widespread criticism. On Sunday, the Office of the Chief Adviser strongly condemned the remarks.

"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 Chief Adviser's Press Wing. 

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