Asif Nazrul, the interim government’s advisor on law, justice, and parliamentary affairs, announced the impending implementation of the Cyber Security Act reform initiative.
“Reform of the Cyber Security Act is required. Soon, something will be done. At a discussion titled “Right to Information: The Supporting Role of NGOs in Establishing Transparency and Accountable Good Governance,” which was co-organized by the Right to Information Forum and the Foundation for Human Rights, at the Bureau of NGO Affairs on Sunday, he declared, “I will work on this from my ministry.”
“This right is not like any other right—all rights would be worthless without the right to information,” he said in response to the lack of knowledge regarding the right to information. This right interconnects with all other rights.
He stated, “The Information Commission and the Human Rights Commission will not be able to do any work if the nation’s law, justice, and governance departments are not in order. It is only fitting that those who discuss the right to information also address fair elections. Speaking out against extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances is imperative.”
He declared, “They made parliament a forum for looting,” referring to the way the previous government had turned the courts into instruments of torture. We ought to speak out about these issues.
Badiul Alam Majumdar, the head of the commission to reform the electoral system, stated: “We passed the Right to Information Act to guarantee accountability and transparency as well as to put an end to corruption and looting.” However, we were unable to turn it into a movement the way India did. We have failed miserably in this.”
“Requests for information are very common,” he stated. To obtain information against serious corruption, we must appeal to higher authorities. I personally requested information from higher authorities but was not successful in getting it.”
Empowering citizens is the goal of the Right to Information Act. In an effort to empower citizens, the act makes information easily available. It must be used correctly by government offices.
“The role of political parties is important in this regard,” Badiul stated, advocating for reforms to the Right to Information Act. It is important to give careful thought to whether political parties can be subject to the RTI Act.
“Because if political parties are not transparent, responsible, and accountable, then reforming the state structure is of no use.”
Transparency International Bangladesh’s (TIB) executive director, Iftekharuzzaman, stated: “We have observed that the bureaucracy has held the institutions associated with the word commission hostage in every instance. Moreover, these establishments are now serving as retirement homes for powerful politicians in a rehabilitation capacity.
“The Human Rights Commission or the Information Commission appoints those whose professional responsibilities throughout their lives have included the withholding or concealment of information about human rights violations.”
He told the Information Rights Commission, “This can’t continue in a country,” and demanded reforms. The Information Commission warrants reforms. Therefore, the government should not appoint an information commission on its own. Names may be suggested by the government. The government should establish an information commission based on these names and the perspectives of interested parties.
Numerous adjustments are required to the 2009 Right to Information Act. The government won’t be the sole handler. The Right to Information Forum, representing civil society, will spearhead the proposal. All stakeholders, including the media, will be involved.
