Tathya Adhikar Forum, a platform for accessing information as citizens’ right, demanded that the Bangladesh Information Commission should be brought back to life since its activities remained suspended after the resignation of its three high officials in September following the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina’s government.
A press release, signed by forum’s convener Shaheen Anam on Tuesday, said that the commission could not serve the citizens as its crucial posts became vacant after three members had resigned in September.
Citing Section 14 (1) of the Right to Information Act 2009, the forum demanded immediate appointment of the chief information commissioner and commissioners to the commission.
‘Tathya Adhikar Forum fears that the Information Commission, if it lacks crucial officials for a long time, will weaken the Right to Information Act, hamper free flow of public information and discourage citizens from using the law,’ the press release said. Â
It also said that the Right to Information Act established a framework through which every individual could seek information from government bodies and private organisations that were funded by the government or were serving public interest.
Under this law, any Bangladeshi citizen can submit a request for information regarding operations, decisions, and functions of public and private entities operating under government support.
It ensures transparency and accountability by obligating the organisations to disclose information proactively and respond to citizen requests.
