Implementation of RTI Act to empower citizens stressed

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RANGPUR, Oct 01, 2018 (BSS) – Proper implementation of the Right to
Information (RTI) Act, 2009, has become crucial to empower citizens and
establish transparency and accountability in every sector as Bangladesh is
progressing fast.

The observations came at a post-rally discussion organised by the district
administration on Sunday afternoon at Circuit House conference room in the
city.

Rangpur unit of ‘Sochetan Nagorik Committee (SNC) and RDRS Bangladesh
extended assistance in arranging the rally followed by the discussion in
observance of the International Rights to Information Day-2018.

Deputy Commissioner Enamul Habib attended the discussion as chief guest
with Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC-General) Md Rabiul Islam in the
chair.

Additional Police Super (A Circle) Saifur Rahman Saif, Vice-president of
district SNC Advocate AAM Munir Chowdhury, Representatives Alamgir Kabir of
Transparency International Bangladesh and Abu Sayeed of BRAC, among others,
spoke.

Rabiul Islam delivered welcome speech narrating the RTI Act, 2009 in
details and highlighted the steps taken by the present government for its
proper implementation.

Assistant Commissioner Zannat Ara Ferdous presented the keynote paper on
the International Rights to Information Day-2018 and importance of observance
of the day.

Terming enactment of the RTI Act, 2009 as one of the epoch-making
successes of the present government, the speakers said the law had factually
turned into an effective tool to ensure the peoples’ right to know
information.

Advocate Chowdhury laid emphasis on proper implementation of the Act to
ensure free flow of information and reduce corruption by establishing
transparency, accountability and good governance at all levels.

Saifur Rahman suggested for disseminating knowledge among the people,
including young generations, about the RTI Act to make them aware of their
rights to know information from all government and non-government
organisations.

The chief guest said officials and employees of the state are public
servants and their main task is serving the people.

“So, the officials should always remember that they are obliged to provide
information to the people if they ask to get any information lawfully as per
the RTI Act, 2009” he added.

He urged the officials concerned in government and non-governmental
organisations to disseminate information to the people as dictated by the Act
to establish the peoples’ right to know and establish accountability.