People yet to reap full benefit of RTI act: TIB

The Daily Star: Bangladesh: Thursday, September 28, 2017.

Speakers at a human chain yesterday urged the government to ensure people's access to information to curb corruption and establish good governance.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) organised the programme on Dhaka University (DU) campus, marking the International Right to Know Day to be observed today.

They also urged everyone to raise voice against section 57 of the ICT act, as it is an obstacle to freedom of expression.

Addressing the event, Executive Director of TIB Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the constitution has ensured freedom of thought and expression, and the Right to Information (RTI) Act has been enacted to make it more effective.

“But people are now being deprived of the benefits of the Act as effective implementation  was not possible due to the lack of goodwill of the concerned people,” he added.

Demanding scrapping of the section 57, he said, “Many non-government organisations and media activists, who practice the right to freedom of expression, are often at risk due to Article 57 of the ICT Act.”

A seven-point recommendation was also placed at the human chain that includes taking necessary steps to ensure the implementation of the existing laws and rules in accordance with the RTI Act.