Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali has expressed regret over his recent remarks regarding the term "rape", following widespread criticism and public debate.
In an official statement issued on Monday (17 March), he said, “While discussing violence against women and children, I referred to rape as part of a broader spectrum of abuse. If my statement has caused offence, I sincerely regret it.”
The statement was signed by Talebur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) of the DMP.
His regret follows intense backlash over comments made at a recent event, where he reportedly urged the media to use alternative terminology for rape, suggesting that the word sounded “unpleasant.”
During the programme on Saturday, Sajjat Ali stated, “I strongly dislike the word ‘rape.’ I request you not to use it. Instead, use terms like ‘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.”
The remarks triggered widespread outrage, with rights activists and the public condemning what they perceived as an attempt to downplay the severity of sexual violence.
The Chief Adviser’s Office issued a strong response yesterday, denouncing the commissioner’s suggestion.
“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,” read a statement from the CA Press Wing.
The interim government further asserted that it would not tolerate any form of violence against citizens of Bangladesh.
