In an official statement issued today, the DMP commissioner said, "While discussing violence against women and children, I referred to rape as part of a broader spectrum of abuse. If my statement has hurt anyone, I sincerely regret it."
The statement was signed by Talebur Rahman, deputy commissioner (Media and Public Relations) of the DMP.
His regret came in response to backlash over the commissioner's comments at a recent event, where he reportedly suggested media to use alternative terminology for rape, arguing that the word sounds "unpleasant".
On Saturday, DMP Chief Sajjat Ali told at a programme, "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 have sparked outrage among rights activists and the general public.
The Chief Adviser's Office yesterday condemned the DMP commissioner's call on the media not to use the term "rape" in their reporting.
