‘Rape must be called Rape’

The ongoing incidents of sexual violence, abuse, rape, and murder in the country have deeply concerned the nation. 

This crisis is not only devastating the lives of victims but also weakening the very foundation of society. 

When we speak of violence against women and children, it includes oppression, sexual abuse, rape, and all forms of exploitation.

Therefore, considering the legal aspects and the severity of the crime, rape must be called rape. 

Referring to rape merely as "violence against women" or "oppression of women" diminishes its gravity. 

This statement was made by speakers at a press conference titled "Protests and Concerns by NGOs Working on Child Rights Regarding Child Rape, Abuse, and Murder." 

The press conference was organized by Save the Children, Plan International Bangladesh, Manusher Jonno Foundation, Ain o Salish Kendra, and Breaking the Silence. 

It was held on Sunday at the Shaheed Sirajul Islam Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity in Segunbagicha, Dhaka. The news was reported by Prothom Alo. 

In the written statement presented at the press conference, 25 incidents of child rape and attempted rape reported in the media between March 6 and 15, including the case of the child from Magura, were highlighted. 

The statement read, "The increasing violence against girls in Bangladesh has shocked the nation and sparked protests across the country. Today, we stand in solidarity with these protests and voice our condemnation." 

During the question-and-answer session, speakers emphasized the need to call rape by its name, considering the severity of the crime. 

On Saturday, March 15, at the inauguration event of the "Help" app aimed at ensuring women‍‍`s safety on public transport, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sazzad Hossain requested the media to avoid using the term "rape." 

He said, "I dislike two words, one of which is ‍‍`rape.‍‍` I request you not to use this term. Instead, say ‍‍`violence against women‍‍` or ‍‍`oppression.‍‍` Our laws also refer to it as violence against women and children. Let us avoid using words that sound unpleasant." 

Despite the DMP Commissioner‍‍`s remarks, the law provides a separate definition for rape. 

The Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, 2000, follows the definition of rape given in the Penal Code of 1860, excluding the victim‍‍`s age and marital rape. 

The Act includes separate provisions for rape, dowry-related violence and murder, abduction, sexual harassment, incitement to suicide, acid attacks, and mutilation of children for begging, under which cases are prosecuted. 

According to police headquarters data, 17,571 cases were filed under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act last year nationwide. 

In January this year, 1,440 cases were filed, while in February, an average of 12 rape cases were filed daily. 

Data from Bangladesh Mahila Parishad shows that 2,525 incidents of violence against women and girls were reported in the media last year. 

Among these, 345 were rape cases, 142 were gang rape cases, 23 victims were killed after rape, and 6 committed suicide due to rape. 

During the press conference‍‍`s Q&A session, Shahin Anam, Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation, responded to the DMP Commissioner‍‍`s statement, saying, 

"The DMP Commissioner has asked the media not to use the term ‍‍`rape‍‍` because he finds it unpleasant. This is surprising because it is the incident itself that is unpleasant. Using terms like ‍‍`sexual oppression‍‍` or ‍‍`sexual violence‍‍` dilutes the severity of rape. This is unacceptable." 

Nishat Sultana, Director of Impact, Campaign, and Communication at Plan International Bangladesh, stated,

"Rape must be called rape. There is no room for softening the language." 

Abdullah Al Mamun, Director of Child Protection and Child Rights Governance at Save the Children, said, 

"Rape and violence against women are interrelated. What is rape must be called rape. Rape is a heinous crime. Speedy justice must be ensured for all cases of rape and violence against women and children. Multisectoral programs to prevent violence against women should be included in the national budget and strengthened. We demand the establishment of a separate Department of Children‍‍`s Rights to protect and promote children‍‍`s welfare." 

Mohammad Zahidul Islam, Director of Programs and Planning at Breaking the Silence, said, 

"The government has reduced the time for investigating and prosecuting rape cases. We have no issue with timelines, but speedy and effective justice must be ensured for cases of violence and rape. DNA reports should be mandatory in rape cases to avoid false accusations. Efforts should be increased to ensure DNA reports are submitted on time." 

He added, "When children report abuse, families must listen and believe them. Attention must also be paid to the fact that boys, like girls, are becoming victims of sexual violence and rape." 

Tamanna Haq (Riti), Coordinator of Ain o Salish Kendra, presented data compiled by the organization, revealing that 36 boys were raped in 2023, and 4 boys were raped in the first two months of this year. 

She said, "The brutality of rape cases is increasing, indicating shortcomings in the existing measures to prevent rape and violence. Regular efforts are needed to address gaps in complaint investigations, judicial processes, and the protection of witnesses and victims." 

Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh, said, 

"Not all incidents of rape and violence in society are being reported. Many avoid reporting due to fear of stigma. It is alarming that victims, especially women and children, are not receiving protection even from their own families. We must hate the rapist, not the victim."