DMP Commissioner Apologizes for Controversial 'Rape' Remark

DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali issued a formal apology on Monday following public backlash over his recent comments on the term “rape” during an event.

In a statement, the Commissioner explained, “While discussing the issue of abuse of women and children, I referred to rape as a broader form of abuse. If my statement has offended anyone, I sincerely apologize.”

The apology comes amid heightened public discourse surrounding sexual violence, with many questioning the role of law enforcement in addressing such crimes.

Earlier, the Office of the Chief Adviser (CA) condemned the DMP Commissioner’s remarks, stressing the importance of using precise language when discussing sexual violence. "Rape is rape, whether committed against an 8-year-old or an 80-year-old. It is a heinous crime that must be named as such," the statement read on Sunday.

The CA’s office also emphasized that the interim government would not tolerate any form of violence against Bangladeshi citizens.

The controversy began on Saturday when Commissioner Ali spoke about media coverage of sexual violence, urging the press to avoid the term “rape.” "There are two words I dislike, one of which is ‘rape.’ I request you not to use it. Instead, say ‘violence against women’ or ‘abuse,’" he stated. "Our law also refers to it as violence against women and children. Let’s avoid terms that sound unpleasant."