Call it what it is: Chief Advisor’s Office condemns DMP chief’s call to replace ‘rape’ with softer terms

Such a heinous crime must be called by its rightful name, it says

The Chief Advisor’s Office (CAO) has strongly condemned the remarks made by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali calling on the public to avoid using the term “rape” and instead use “women repression” or “women oppression”.

In a statement on Sunday night, the CAO 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.”

DMP chief Sazzat Ali came up with the call at the launch of the HELP app (Harassment Elimination Literacy Programme), designed to enhance women's safety on public transport, at the Daily Star building in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar on Saturday.

Speaking as chief guest, 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.”

The app was introduced following the death of a child who was a victim of "rape" in Magura and in response to the rising number of similar crimes across Bangladesh.

In addition, there have been several incidents of crime by creating “mobs”, as well as incidents of shooting during a mugging.

In such situations, the interim government has highlighted its tough stance.

The DMP chief urged the media not to broadcast incidents that could create a sense of insecurity among the public.