Dhaka, March 17 -- Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali has issued an apology over his comments on the use of the word "rape" in a recent event.

He conveyed his apology through a statement released by the DMP's public relations department, bdnews24.com reports.

In the statement, the commissioner said: "I referred to rape as a broader form of abuse while discussing violence against women and children. I apologise if my remarks have offended anyone."

The controversy arose at the launching event of the Harassment Elimination Literacy Programme, or "HELP" app, on Saturday at the Daily Star building. In his speech as the chief guest, the commissioner urged the public to use terms like "violence against women" or "abus...