ZCZC
BSS-46
RTI-SEMINAR-DEPUTY SPEAKER
RTI is an essential element of good governance: Fazle Rabbi Mia
DHAKA, Oct 29, 2019 (BSS) – Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Mia today urged
people to be aware of the right to information. “The prime responsibility of
the state is to ensure good governance at all arenas of national life. Right
to information is an important component of good governance in the present
world….” He made the comments while addressing as chief guest at an opening
ceremony of RTI Convertion-2019 at Bangabandhu International Conference
Centre.
He also said “It ensures transparency and accountability of the
government’s work. Through this citizens are empowered, rule of law is
established and corruption is reduced”.
Right to Information Act 2009 is an excellent law. It is a milestone in
public empowerment. Its specialty is that in other laws, the authorities
exercise power over people but in this law people imposes power on the
authority. It is a strong citizen-friendly, universal law. It gives the
citizens of every level right to get any information of the state. The Right
to Information Act-2009 was passed in the 9th session of the Parliament.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina termed the law as the- ‘Beginning of a new era’,
he said.
In addition, I think there is no alternative to this law to increase
transparency and accountability in public and private institutions of the
country. The availability of the Internet requires for the flow of
information. In this regard, the government has taken some steps. The
government’s attempt to ensure the right to information is praiseworthy, he
added.
Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation Shahin Alam presided over
the meeting.
Among others, Judith Harbertson, Country Director of DFID, Mercy Miyang
Tembon, Mortuza Ahmed, Chief Information Commissioner, also spoke at the
programme.
BSS/PR/TIT/AS/2005