There seem to be differences in response depending on the authorities’ location.
The interim government should encourage all public officials to respond diligently to the citizens’ RTI requests.
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.
The experiences of Sri Lanka and Pakistan are lessons for everyone concerned with promoting the right to information.
Indications of the growing maturity of RTI Act users and the increasing willingness of public officials to abide by its provisions are indeed welcome developments.
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.
