BSS: Bangladesh: Wednesday, 28 January 2026.
An orientation session on the Right to Information (RTI) was held for students at Nowhata Government High School under Paba upazila of the district.
"Access to
information is your right" a response from the stage came instantly against a raising question "Is
it really possible to get information if
we ask for it?" from a student at the session.
The auditorium turned into silence while such a question was raised but the entire hall erupted in applause after hearing the answer.
The orientation session included such a lively and dramatic atmosphere-filled with quizzes, question-and-answer sessions, and real-life stories.
At the meeting, held this (Tuesday) morning on the school premises, speakers said that it is not possible to build an accountable and transparent system of governance without ensuring the right to access information. The human desire to know is eternal, they added.
As citizens, the right to seek and receive information is known as the Right to Information. Information means power, which plays an effective role in establishing good governance and combating corruption.
The United Nations and the Constitution of Bangladesh recognize the right to information as a fundamental right. Article 39(1) of the Constitution of Bangladesh also mentions this right.
The meeting was organised by the Bangladesh Country Office of The Carter Center with the aim of raising awareness among citizens about their right to information and ensuring the effective implementation of the RTI Act to prevent corruption. The event was held under the initiative of the combined office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
Several real-life examples of the successful application of the RTI Act were shared at the meeting.
In some cases, irregularities were prevented by obtaining information about development project expenditures; in others, experiences were shared on ensuring that genuine beneficiaries receive support under social safety net programmes.
These real stories sparked students' curiosity and clearly demonstrated that the right to information is not merely a theoretical concept, but one deeply connected to everyday life.
During the orientation, it was explained that the RTI is a fundamental democratic right of citizens, through which information held by the government and certain private institutions can be accessed.
Discussions highlighted the background, objectives, and significance of the RTI Act 2009. Students were also given a clear understanding of the definition of information, the appointment and responsibilities of designated officers, institutional obligations to provide information, procedures for submitting applications, the process of responding within stipulated time frames, and application fees.
The quiz competition organised under the theme "Know the Law, Know Your Rights" made the session even more engaging, with active participation from students.
Applause for correct answers and laughter at wrong ones turned the auditorium into an open learning space.
According to the organisers, such participatory events play an effective role in generating interest among young people in law and civic rights.
Students also shared their reflections at the meeting.
Rimti, a sixth-grade student of Nowhata Government High School, said, "Before today's event, the right to information was limited to textbook pages for us.
Through real examples and quizzes, we have understood how seeking information can help stand against injustice and corruption. Now it feels like we can ask questions too."
Eighth-grade student Ifat said, "I didn't have much idea about the Right to Information Act before. Today I learned that even as ordinary citizens, we can request information from government offices. This knowledge has boosted our confidence and inspired us to become more conscious citizens in the future."
Fazlul Bari, deputy director of the ACC, addressed the event as the chief guest saying effective implementation of the Right to Information Act 2009 increases transparency in both public and private institutions and reduces opportunities for corruption.
"The right to information is not just a law; it is a powerful tool for citizen empowerment. If awareness of this right is created among students and young people, building an accountable and corruption-free society in the future will be much easier," he added.
In her welcome address, Shammi Laila Islam, country representative of The Carter Center, said that accurate information is power.
She noted that the law plays a vital role in ensuring the free flow of information, including women's right to access information. She also remarked that rights can only be properly exercised when people are aware of them.
ACC Assistant Director Tanvir Ahmed, Headmaster of the school Omar Ali, President of the Corruption Prevention Committee Akhtar Faruk also spoke.
The awareness and confidence visible on the students' face at the end of the meeting offered a hopeful sign for building a responsible citizenry in the future.
An orientation session on the Right to Information (RTI) was held for students at Nowhata Government High School under Paba upazila of the district.
The auditorium turned into silence while such a question was raised but the entire hall erupted in applause after hearing the answer.
The orientation session included such a lively and dramatic atmosphere-filled with quizzes, question-and-answer sessions, and real-life stories.
At the meeting, held this (Tuesday) morning on the school premises, speakers said that it is not possible to build an accountable and transparent system of governance without ensuring the right to access information. The human desire to know is eternal, they added.
As citizens, the right to seek and receive information is known as the Right to Information. Information means power, which plays an effective role in establishing good governance and combating corruption.
The United Nations and the Constitution of Bangladesh recognize the right to information as a fundamental right. Article 39(1) of the Constitution of Bangladesh also mentions this right.
The meeting was organised by the Bangladesh Country Office of The Carter Center with the aim of raising awareness among citizens about their right to information and ensuring the effective implementation of the RTI Act to prevent corruption. The event was held under the initiative of the combined office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
Several real-life examples of the successful application of the RTI Act were shared at the meeting.
In some cases, irregularities were prevented by obtaining information about development project expenditures; in others, experiences were shared on ensuring that genuine beneficiaries receive support under social safety net programmes.
These real stories sparked students' curiosity and clearly demonstrated that the right to information is not merely a theoretical concept, but one deeply connected to everyday life.
During the orientation, it was explained that the RTI is a fundamental democratic right of citizens, through which information held by the government and certain private institutions can be accessed.
Discussions highlighted the background, objectives, and significance of the RTI Act 2009. Students were also given a clear understanding of the definition of information, the appointment and responsibilities of designated officers, institutional obligations to provide information, procedures for submitting applications, the process of responding within stipulated time frames, and application fees.
The quiz competition organised under the theme "Know the Law, Know Your Rights" made the session even more engaging, with active participation from students.
Applause for correct answers and laughter at wrong ones turned the auditorium into an open learning space.
According to the organisers, such participatory events play an effective role in generating interest among young people in law and civic rights.
Students also shared their reflections at the meeting.
Rimti, a sixth-grade student of Nowhata Government High School, said, "Before today's event, the right to information was limited to textbook pages for us.
Through real examples and quizzes, we have understood how seeking information can help stand against injustice and corruption. Now it feels like we can ask questions too."
Eighth-grade student Ifat said, "I didn't have much idea about the Right to Information Act before. Today I learned that even as ordinary citizens, we can request information from government offices. This knowledge has boosted our confidence and inspired us to become more conscious citizens in the future."
Fazlul Bari, deputy director of the ACC, addressed the event as the chief guest saying effective implementation of the Right to Information Act 2009 increases transparency in both public and private institutions and reduces opportunities for corruption.
"The right to information is not just a law; it is a powerful tool for citizen empowerment. If awareness of this right is created among students and young people, building an accountable and corruption-free society in the future will be much easier," he added.
In her welcome address, Shammi Laila Islam, country representative of The Carter Center, said that accurate information is power.
She noted that the law plays a vital role in ensuring the free flow of information, including women's right to access information. She also remarked that rights can only be properly exercised when people are aware of them.
ACC Assistant Director Tanvir Ahmed, Headmaster of the school Omar Ali, President of the Corruption Prevention Committee Akhtar Faruk also spoke.
The awareness and confidence visible on the students' face at the end of the meeting offered a hopeful sign for building a responsible citizenry in the future.
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