DHAKA: Proactive disclosure makes flow of information easier for both seekers and providers. It can build a bridge between citizens and the authorities that will strengthen mutual confidence and credibility.

Speakers made the remarks at a function held at the Information Commission office in city to mark the handing over a publication and video documentary “Tearing the Veil of Secrecy” to the Chief Information Commissioner by Management and Resources Development Initiative (MRDI), under its project with Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF).

The publication contains lessons learnt from the RTI Camp, first of its kind in Bangladesh, organized at Shinghajhuli union of Chowgacha upazila, Jessore last year, said a press release.

It said the camp aimed to aware people about the change information can bring in their lives and inspire them to use the Right to Information (RTI) Act to get information that impacts their wellbeing. RTI helps establish good governance and ensure transparency and accountability in the government.

The camp built capacity of 30 marginalized men and women of the union to file RTI applications about information they needed and help them through the RTI process – including application, appeal and complaints. 58 applications were filed to government and NGO authorities by the camp participants, the release added.

Receiving the document Chief Information Commissioner Professor Dr. Md. Golam Rahman hailed the RTI camp as a new idea of advocacy. The idea, he said, has been welcomed by both the citizens and the information providing authorities.

Golam Rahman said this publication will help stakeholders learn about details of the procedure so they can make better planning. The real life video documentary also depicts the procedure of getting information through RTI applications and the positive role played by the Information Commission, he said.

Disclosing information through wall writings is also a good example in opening up the government authorities. The commission will continue its support to the initiatives to promote the RTI Act, he added.

MRDI’s Executive Director Hasibur Rahman hoped the publication will lead to more such events to roll the demand-supply chain of information. Positive attitude of IC and the highest level of the administration have inspired MRDI to take up the innovative initiatives.

Information Commissioners Nepal Chandra Sarker; Secretary of IC Sadaruddin Ahmed; Former Secretary (Coordination and Reforms) Cabinet Division and Advisor, Governance and Policy Planning of MRDI  M Nazrul Islam, staff members of IC and MRDI were present in the event.

BDST: 2122 HRS, JUN 09, 2016
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