Photo: Collected
After facing harsh criticism, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali has expressed regret over his recent remark where he urged the media not to use the word "rape" and use "violence against women' instead. The DMP chief clarified his remarks through a press release sent to the media this morning (17 March). The release was signed by DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) Mohammad Talebur Rahman.
"While discussing the issue of violence against women and children, I referred to rape as a broader form of violence. If anyone was hurt by my statement, I express my regret," said Sazzat. The apology came after the Chief Adviser's Office yesterday (16 March) strongly condemned the remarks made by the DMP commissioner.
In a statement, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said, "Rape is rape, whether committed against an eight-year-old or an 80-year-old. Such a heinous crime must be called by its rightful name." On Saturday (15 March), the DMP commissioner urged the media to refrain from using the word "rape" in their reports, suggesting alternatives like "violence against women" or "repression of women".
He said, "I strongly dislike the word 'rape'. I request you not to use it. Instead, use '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."
Stating media should be more careful while publishing or broadcasting rape-related news, Sazzat said, "The news [rape-related] creates panic among people. It's better not to publish or broadcast such news repeatedly."
His remarks led to severe widespread criticism from all quarters amid increased public discourse on sensitive issues such as sexual violence, with many questioning the role of law enforcement in addressing such crimes.
At a human chain, protesting against the rising violence against women and children, yesterday (16 March) in front of parliament on Manik Mia Avenue, Transparency International Bangladesh Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman also said the DMP commissioner's statement regarding the use of the word "rape" was shocking and should be withdrawn immediately.
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