‘Free flow of information crucial to establish accountability’

Free flow of information can be the crucial means of establishing transparency, accountability and good governance everywhere in the society.

Uninterrupted flow of information by all government and non-government organisations concerned should be ensured for improving living and livelihood conditions of the public in general through expediting development.

So, full-length implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) law is very important for empowering the masses.

Government officials, public representatives and development activists unanimously made the observation while addressing the closing ceremony of a daylong ‘Information Fair and road show’ related to the International Day of Right to Information 2023 yesterday.

“Importance of Internet in Free Flow of Information” is the main theme of the day this year.

On behalf of its “Young People at High Schools Strengthen Women’s Rights and Inclusive Governance in Bangladesh” (YUKTA) project; DASCOH Foundation organized the fair at Paba Upazila Parishad premises supported by NETZ Bangladesh.

Additional Commissioner of Rajshahi division Dr Moksed Ali, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Abu Saleh Mohammad Hasnat, Upazila Chairman Yeasin Ali and Program Coordinator of YUKTA Project Anamul Haque addressed the closing ceremony.

Program Director of DASCOH Foundation Israt Jahan addressed the meeting as a focal person highlighting the significance of the International RTI day.

She attributed that RTI is the integral part of the fundamental rights and ensuring the right to information is the precondition to enhance transparency and accountability together with reducing corruption and making good governance sustainable.

Road shows, mass gatherings, leaflets, posters and brochures distribution and a signature campaign were the salient features of the daylong event. An open quiz competition and prize-giving ceremony was organized on the occasion in the afternoon.

Making everyone aware about the right to information and increasing its use was the main thrust of the road show, while the signature campaign focuses on the issue of ‘Right to Information Act 2009 to ensure transparency and accountability in government and private activities.

In his remarks, Dr Moksed Ali said the government is very much confident and working relentlessly for successful implementation of the RTI law. The field level government and non-government officials concerned should be positive to supplement the government effort.

As long as the law is not implemented by the government and non- government organisations, its strength, weaknesses, limitations and appropriateness cannot be ascertained.

“Implementation of RTI Law has become indispensable for the sake of establishing good governance in the society and enhancing transparency and accountability in all tiers of public services,” Dr Moksed Ali defined.

Proactive disclosure of information regarding all development works at the grassroots can ensure proper utilisation of resources and put a check on corruption, he mentioned. (BSS)