Ensure effective execution of RTI law

Speakers at an event yesterday urged the government and political parties to ensure effective implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) law, noting that citizens’ access to information remains limited despite the law being in force.

They said transparency, accountability and citizen participation are essential to strengthening democracy, and stressed the need for coordinated action among the media, civil society and citizens to make the RTI law more effective.

Policy experts also called on all political parties contesting the February 12 election to include specific commitments to the RTI Act in their election manifestos so that access to information becomes a governance priority.

The remarks were made at an event titled “Strengthening Democracy through Right to Information: Launch of The RTI Citizen Platform and Dialogue on Engaging Political Parties to Advance the Right to Information”, organised by Research Initiatives Bangladesh (RIB) at a hotel in the capital.

“The citizens are the true owners of the state. They have the right to access information because it is the source of power. But in many cases, the government does not provide information properly,” said Transparency International Bangladesh Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman.

He urged the government to activate the Information Commission by appointing its commissioners and to ensure that officials disclose their income and assets.

Highlighting gaps in government compliance, he said, “Officials are supposed to disclose their income and assets, but this has not been done fully. Government departments have often failed to keep their commitments.”

He said although private organisations and the media have helped raise awareness, only about seven percent of people are aware of the RTI law. “We need to expand this further,” he said.

Media Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) Executive Director Hasibur Rahman said journalists face multiple challenges, including delays in obtaining information and a lack of institutional support outside the capital.

Manusher Jonno Foundation Executive Director Shaheen Anam said citizens, journalists and civil society must act collectively to demand transparency and accountability.

“Women must have sufficient representation in accessing information, as they are often excluded from decision-making and information rights,” she said.

Rezaur Rahman Lenin, researcher and rights activist, said the RTI would not function effectively under the interim government as the system is designed to restrict citizens’ access to information.

“Without proper implementation and citizen-oriented design, RTI cannot fulfil its role in accountability and transparency,” he said.

The event was moderated by RIB board member Asif Munier and featured speakers Quazi Zahed Iqbal of Blast, Javed Arafat of the National Citizen Party, RIB Chairperson Shamsul Bari and Deputy Director Ruhi Naz, among others.