RTI Act is on life support
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Shamsul Bari and Ruhi Naz
Right to Information (RTI) Act in Bangladesh is in danger. We have had no information commissioner to implement the RTI Act for six months. Now, another ominous development looms large—the suspension and likely termination of US government-funded projects in the country following executive orders of US President Donald Trump. RTI projects are included.
However, this allows the nation to reflect on and act upon open governance, the main objective of RTI law. This is of such tremendous national importance that its advancement should not depend upon foreign funding. As the prime movers of the law, citizens of the country have kept it alive since its adoption 16 years ago. Alternative arrangements must be found for them to continue this important task.
Our youth who spearheaded the July 2024 uprising in the country, bringing new hope for the people, can use RTI to further their objectives. The formation of the new National Citizens Party (NCP) by them raises hope. Their commitment to the law may inspire other political parties—which have shown little or no interest so far—to follow suit.
