Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sazzad Ali has expressed regret for his remarks regarding avoiding the term "rape." He issued an apology in a press release sent to the media on Monday, March 17th.
In the statement, the DMP Commissioner said, "While discussing violence against women and children, I referred to rape as a broader form of violence. If anyone has been offended by my remarks, I express my regret."
Earlier, on Saturday, Sheikh Md. Sazzad Ali requested the media to use the terms "violence against women" or "oppression of women" instead of "rape."
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the "Help" app to ensure women's safety in public transport, he said, "There are two words I dislike very much, one of which is rape. I request you not to use it. You can say 'violence against women' or 'oppression.' Our laws also refer to violence against women and children. Let us not use words that sound bad."
The DMP Commissioner also requested that incidents that create panic or fear in the public mind be shown less frequently, saying, "You will do this, it is your professional responsibility. But if it can be shown in a slightly 'reasonable' way."
His request has sparked a storm of criticism. Many have expressed angry reactions to such remarks from a responsible police officer.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman alleged that Sheikh Md. Sazzad Ali is indirectly siding with rapists by requesting not to use the word "rape."
He believes that the matter cannot be accepted under any circumstances. His (DMP Commissioner's) statement should be rejected and withdrawn.
Iftekharuzzaman made these remarks at a human chain titled "Stop Violence Against Women and Children, Now!" TIB organized the human chain on Manik Mia Avenue in front of the National Parliament Building on Sunday morning.
Meanwhile, the Chief Advisor's office strongly condemned the DMP Commissioner's statement on Sunday night. In a press release sent to the media, it was stated that rape is rape, whether it is committed against an 8-year-old or an 80-year-old woman. Such heinous crimes should be called by their proper names. The interim government will not tolerate any form of violence against any citizen of Bangladesh.
