DMP commissioner urges public to use 'women repression' instead of 'rape'

He says women will be able to use the HELP app for immediate assistance if subjected to violence on public transport

Dhaka Metropolitan Police, or DMP, Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali has called on the public to avoid using the term “rape” and instead use “women repression” or “women oppression”.

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 police chief added.

The commissioner was speaking as the chief guest 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.

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.

He referred to a mugging incident involving gunfire that was “repeatedly” aired on a television channels.

Sazzat said, “[The Special Branch] reported how many times it was shown. That day, I requested the press—please refrain from repeatedly broadcasting such incidents that create panic and develop a sense of insecurity among people.

“As part of your professional responsibility, please be mindful of this. It would be better if such ‘scenes’ or ‘obscene visuals’ are not shown repeatedly.”

He warned that excessive coverage of such incidents could make people feel that Dhaka is no longer a safe place to live.

The DMP commissioner, however, claimed that incidents of gunfire are rare.

He said, “As far as I know, incidents of mugging have been very few since the beginning of Ramadan. We received one report from a call centre female worker, where her bag was snatched by a motorcyclist, and her mobile phone was taken.

“Apart from that, there have been no major incidents of mugging. Our target is to keep the situation under control until Eid.”

‘HELP’ APP FOR WOMEN’S SAFETY ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT

It was said at the event that through the HELP app, women in the capital will be able to seek immediate assistance, access emergency services, and report incidents if they fall victim to violence on public transport.

With financial support from the European Union, or EU, the Broadcast Journalist Centre, or BJC, will launch this app as a pilot project on the road from Bashila to Sayedabad.

QR codes will be placed on buses running from Mohammadpur Bus Stand to Sayedabad, and women in need of assistance will be able to access support with the help of volunteers in the area.

The DMP chief said complaints made via the HELP app will be treated as First Information Reports, or FIRs.

He added, "In such cases, no one will need to go to the police station. From there, once any action is required, we will treat it as a case and proceed accordingly.

“Any form of violence against women and children is distressing. In many cases, victims are hesitant to report such incidents to law-enforcing agencies.

“In addition, their guardians often hide such occurrences for different reasons.”

The commissioner further highlighted the plight of house help.

“Domestic workers are among the most vulnerable in our society. Many of them also face sexual harassment.

“As responsible citizens, we must ensure a safe living environment for them,” he concluded.