SMS to inform citizens of rights

Mobile phone operators will help raise citizens' awareness by sending free text messages that explain the Right to Information Act (RTIA), they announced in Dhaka yesterday along with government representatives.
The information minister, officials of the information commission and CEOs of Grameenphone and Robi Axiata Ltd sat together to discuss how the vast clientele of mobile phones in the country will help make implementation of the act more meaningful.
Informative text messages -- and voice messages for those who cannot read -- will be sent to mobile users during a three-month campaign, starting with Victory Day celebrations, said Chief Information Commissioner Muhammad Zamir.
Subsequent steps may include call centres that people can call for more information, he added.
Some TV channels will disseminate RTIA information during prime-time news through regularly updated scrolls sponsored by the mobile companies. The scrolls will be shown from 11am to midnight.
There are now about 65 million cell phone users in the country.
Grameenphone Chief Executive Officer Oddvar Hesjedal said the effort is part of the company's commitment to corporate social responsibility.
It is difficult to get a new law work, but first people should know that they are allowed to ask questions and expect answers, he added.
Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad said government officials should improve their attitude on providing information on issues that concern people.
He said the free flow of information would help empower people, establish good governance by reducing corruption, and ensure transparency and accountability.
He noted that the AL government passed the RTIA in the first session of parliament as a priority and said that the government is keen on its implementation.
Per Erik Hylland, CEO of Telenor; Micheal Kuehner, CEO of Robi; Prof Sadeka Halim, information commissioner, and Hedayetullah Al-Mamun, information secretary, also spoke.