DMP commissioner requests use of 'violence against women' instead of 'rape'

Dhaka, Mar 15 (V7N) –Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali has requested the media to avoid using the word "rape" and, instead, to use the terms "violence against women."

He made this request during his speech as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the "Help" app aimed at ensuring women’s safety in public transport, held on Saturday, at the Daily Star building on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue in Dhaka.

The app-based service has been jointly launched by the Broadcast Journalists Centre (BJC) and Switch Bangladesh Foundation.

Sajjat Ali said: "I really dislike two words, one of which is rape. I kindly request you all not to use this term. Instead, please use violence against women or women's oppression. Our law also uses the term violence against women and children. Words that sound unpleasant, let's refrain from using them."

The DMP Commissioner also urged the media to minimize the coverage of incidents that create public panic or fear, adding: "This is your responsibility, as part of your professional duty. However, if it can be shown in a more reasonable way, it would be better."

Referring to a media report about a snatching incident in Basila, the DMP Commissioner said: "We detected it. The incident was shown multiple times within two to three hours. If you avoid repeatedly showing incidents that create panic or a sense of insecurity, I believe it would be better."

The DMP commissioner also mentioned that complaints made through the Help app in public transport will be treated as preliminary complaints or FIRs, and the police will take necessary actions accordingly.

He said: "In such cases, there will be no need for anyone to go to the police station. From that point, we will treat it as a case and proceed with the investigation."

Sheikh Sajjat Ali also suggested holding meetings with labour leaders and bus owners to prevent harassment in public transport.

The event was also attended by Fawzia Moslem, president of the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, as a special guest.

The meeting was chaired by the chairman of BJC, Rejoanaul Haque, and conducted by BJC Executive Shahnaz Sharmin. The event also featured Switch Bangladesh's executive director, Mainul Ahsan Faisal, Solutions Spin's director, Abdullah Al Saleh, BJC general secretary, Elias Hossain, and treasurer, Manas Ghosh.