Organizer: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), Ain O Salish Kendra, Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC), Mass Line Media Centre and D.Net
Date: September 28, 2007

Description:

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman speaks at a press conference at the National Press Club in the city yesterday. On his left are D.Net Programme Director Mahmud Hasan and MJF Programme Director Farzana Naim and on his right is BNNRC Chief Executive Officer AHM Bazlur Rahman.
Photo: STAR

'Ensure right to information to promote good governance' Six NGOs to mark Int'l Right to Know Day

Six major NGOs have drawn up one-and-a-half-month countrywide programmes to observe the International Right to Know Day with a view to promoting the right to information as a fundamental right and reiterating the demand for enactment of a law in this regard.

Around the world, September 28 is celebrated as the International Right to Know Day to raise awareness about the right to information under the control of government institutions.

At a press conference at the National Press Club in the city yesterday, representatives of the NGOs -- Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), Ain O Salish Kendra, Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC), Mass Line Media Centre and D.Net --announced their programmes.

The organisers observed that no reform initiatives would be effective if the government fails to enact a law ensuring the right to information.

Although enacting a law in this regard has become a popular demand and the government has already promised to do so, a campaign is needed to make the people aware of its benefits and change the people's mindset because there is a culture of secrecy, especially in the government offices, said TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman.

He also said that ensuring the right to information is a precondition for empowerment of people and good governance.

Although the Law Commission prepared a working paper on Right to Information Act in 2002, no further development in this regard was learnt.

A core expert group invited by the MJF later drafted a law clarifying the definition of information and the role of those responsible for implementing the law, said MJF Programme Director Farzana Naim.

BNNRC Chief Executive Officer AHM Bazlur Rahman and D.Net Programme Director Mahmud Hasan also spoke at the press conference.

With the slogan, "Right to Information -- Promise of Good Governance," the NGOs will jointly organise roundtable, rallies, processions, sticker campaign and workshops to create awareness among the people.

A discussion on good governance and right to information will be held at the LGED auditorium at 3:00pm today.

Dhaka University teacher Robayet Ferdous will present the keynote paper and Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury and former adviser to the caretaker government Sultana Kamal will be present as chief and special guests.

Conscious Citizens' Committees, formed by TIB, will organise discussions and sticker campaigns and bring out processions in different districts, including Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna and Sylhet, tomorrow.

BNNRC will observe the day at its nine Rural Knowledge Centres across the country from October 1 to 9 while D.Net will organise open discussion and workshops and bring out processions at its rural information centres from September 28 to 30.

Campaign on Citizens' Right to Information will hold a three-day programme, including a discussion on 'Right to Information to establish rule of law and democracy'.

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=5660