We can learn from how other countries in this region benefit from the law.
There appears to be a shift in the attitude of many public authorities towards the RTI Act.
Delay in reconstituting the Information Commission is hindering transparency and accountability.
Public interest should be the yardstick when balancing citizens' right to information concerning governance and state need to safeguard sensitive information.
The success of the RTI Act anywhere in the world largely depends on the determination and commitment of the citizens to put it to practical use.
Bangladesh's RTI law is the best law to utilise in making a new Bangladesh where people's power reigns supreme in the true sense of the term.
Now is the opportunity for our youth to lead us in using existing laws to build a better country.
To the tremendous potential of the RTI Act, there are a handful of RTI activists and enthusiasts in Bangladesh who persevere to take the law forward with their zeal and determination.
In a country with such a politically-oriented population, why has RTI not caught on?
Can public officials ever become transparent in their work and feel accountable to citizens?
Citizens’ right to monitor, probe and question the work of their governments is essential for democracy.
The Sri Lankan example can spur us to greater and more transformative use of the RTI Act in our country.
The first case was brought to our attention by RTI activists promoting the law at the grassroots level in Bangladesh.
Seeking information is not only a right of citizens, but also a civic duty.
Unless there is a drastic change in the mentality and attitudes of citizens and public officials alike about the new reality, RTI cannot flourish.
Two laws form the basis for citizens to affect governance.
To obtain the full potentials of the law, we must go beyond such perfunctory rituals and focus more on strategies to go ahead.
