Staff Reporter :
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali has issued a formal apology following public backlash over his recent comments regarding the use of the term “rape.”
In a statement on Monday, the Commissioner clarified his position, stating, “While discussing the issue of abuse of women and children, I referred to rape as a larger form of abuse. If anyone has been offended by my statement, I apologize.”The apology follows widespread criticism from various quarters, including the Office of the Chief Adviser (CA), which strongly condemned his remarks.
In a statement on Sunday, the CA’s office asserted, “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 statement further emphasized that the interim government remains committed to combating all forms of violence against citizens.
The controversy erupted after Commissioner Ali’s speech on Saturday, where he urged the media to refrain from using the term “rape.”
He suggested alternative phrases such as “violence against women” or “abuse,” arguing that such terminology aligns with legal language and is less unpleasant.His remarks sparked a national debate on the importance of accurate language in addressing sexual violence.
Critics argue that downplaying the term could contribute to a culture of minimization and impunity regarding such crimes.In light of the controversy.
