July 15, 2021
Only ‘We, the People’ can unleash the full potential of RTI law
Bangladesh has long been known for the political activism of its citizens, ready to fight for their rights and defend their freedom.
June 15, 2021
Finding a balance between official secrecy and citizens’ right to information
“We see all governments as obscure and invisible,” said Sir Francis Bacon, English philosopher and statesman, in 1605.
April 16, 2021
Revisiting the role of RTI for sustainable development
We must not forget that we cannot bring good fortune for the people if our characters do not change! By rising above nepotism, corruption and self-deception, all of us have to be engaged in self...
March 15, 2021
RTI: All three branches of government fall within its ambit
The deleterious impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the operations of the Right to Information (RTI) Act has been much discussed in the last one year. We drew attention to it in several of our columns.
February 15, 2021
The widening range of RTI use in Bangladesh
Jamaluddin of Dinajpur had learnt at a training session that the Right to Information (RTI) Act 2009 of Bangladesh was enacted to provide a legal basis for citizens to exercise their rights as ...
January 15, 2021
How citizen engagement with RTI law is transforming lives
During the construction work of a regional highway in Dinajpur, local inhabitants were increasingly bothered by the dust it generated.
December 15, 2020
A clarion call for civil society to make the RTI Act a success
Most countries of the world have moved in the past 50 years from the age-old practice of government secrecy towards making their work largely accessible by the public through Right to Information ...
November 15, 2020
RTI in Bangladesh
Reva Rani of Taraganj Upazila of Rangpur District was determined to bring electricity to her home. But, all her efforts, including payment of “speed money”, failed.
October 15, 2020
We need an independent and neutral Information Commission
From its onset in early 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic has damaged trust in governments. As governments fumbled with different approaches, citizens’ distrust of them increased in tandem. Allegations...
September 16, 2020
International Right to Know Day must generate serious reflections by all sides
September is an important month for Right to Information (RTI) buffs all over the world. They undertake various activities during the month to commemorate the International Right to Know Day on...