DMP chief Sazzat apologises amid backlash over 'rape' remarks

The commissioner’s request to use “pleasant” words to describe rape has sparked outrage among many, including the Chief Advisor’s Office

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali has issued an apology over his comments on the use of the word “rape” in a recent event.

He conveyed his apology through a statement released by the DMP’s public relations department.

In the statement, the commissioner said: “I referred to rape as a broader form of abuse while discussing violence against women and children. I apologise if my remarks have offended anyone.”

The controversy arose at the launching event of the Harassment Elimination Literacy Programme, or “HELP” app, on Saturday at the Daily Star building. In his speech as the chief guest, the commissioner urged the public to use terms like "violence against women" or "abuse" instead of "rape".

He said, “I dislike two words; I request you not to use them. I forgot one, but the other is ‘rape’. Please do not use this word. It sounds unpleasant to hear.”

"The law we have is also called the 'Women and Children Repression Prevention Act’. The main heading of the law does not include such terms. So, we should avoid using words that sound unpleasant,” he said in his speech.

This request led to a surge of backlash from various organisations, including the Chief Advisor’s Office.

Condemning the commissioner’s insensitive remarks, the CAO’s statement said: “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 interim government will not tolerate any form of violence against any citizen of Bangladesh,” the statement said.