DHAKA, Nov 12, 2023 (BSS) - Information Commission today held a discussion
and views exchange meeting on Right to Information (RTI) Act and Human rights
at its Agargaon office.

Senior journalists, NGO representatives and officials from concerned
ministries took part in the meeting held to gather opinions of stakeholders
to ensure more use of RTI for upholding human rights.

Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) Dr Abdul Malek at the function laid
emphasis on making all the information of foreign-funded NGO's easily
available to the people.

Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman ensured the rights of
people through the Constitution, he said, adding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
passed the Right to Information Act in 2009 following his footsteps.

"The application of RTI will bring benefits as it is one of the tools for
good governance, transparency and accountability. The process of self-
motivated disclosure of information is essential to fulfill the desire of
people," Malek, who presided over the function, added.

National Press Club general secretary Shyamal Dutta stressed providing young
journalists training on Right to Information Act, 2009.

Dhaka University Prof Shamim Reza at the function urged NGO's to conduct
research on right to information and called for self-motivated disclosure of
information on land, social safety, passport, NID and birth registration.

Hailing the RTI Act, Bangladesh Pratidin editor Naem Nizam said because of
this act, journalists can collect necessary information for making their
reports.

Information Commissioner Shohidul Alam Jhinuk and Masuda Bhatti, Ekattor
Television Head of Current Affairs Farzana Mithila, Jagannath University
Assistant Professor of Mass Communication and Journalism Md Minhaj Uddin,
Foreign Ministry Director General (Public Diplomacy) Soheli Sabreen, BNNRC
CEO AHM Bazlur Rahman, MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman Mukur and
representatives of various ministries were present in the discussion.