Dhaka:The Information Commission has launched a 100-day work plan, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining independence and neutrality under the democratic government, according to Chief Information Commissioner Prof Dr. Nahreen Islam Khan. The announcement was made during a press briefing at the Information Commission building in the capital.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Dr. Nahreen addressed questions regarding the commission's stance, asserting that it will neither align with the government nor the people but will remain impartial. She stressed that a robust Information Commission could aid the government's progress toward democracy. The briefing detailed the commission's plans, particularly focusing on implementing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2009, to ensure public access to information and enhance its practice.
Dr. Nahreen highlighted the RTI Act's significance, noting it as a unique law empowering citizens to hold the government accountable. She also acknowledged the challenges faced by the commission, such as public unawareness about its role, and emphasized efforts to educate citizens about their right to information.
The commission's 100-day plan includes organizing Bangladesh's first RTI fair at the end of November in three public and four private universities in Dhaka. This initiative aims to educate students on utilizing the RTI Act to lawfully address their concerns. Additionally, the commission will commence hearings on November 16 to manage a backlog of 917 complaints accumulated over two years.
Despite operational constraints, including a significant shortage of personnel, the commission is committed to advancing its work. Dr. Nahreen called on citizens to view themselves as equal members of society and expressed hope that the commission's neutrality would bolster democratic practices.
Information Commissioner S A M Mahfuzur Rahman highlighted the commission's potential role in resolving information sharing issues and expressed a desire to collaborate with the media to enhance transparency. He underscored the importance of accurate information in the age of artificial intelligence and urged journalists to combat disinformation by promoting authentic and substantiated information.
Information Commissioner Khan Mohammad Abul Hossain emphasized that freedom of expression, closely linked to the right to information, is essential for democratic development. He noted the media's critical role in disseminating information and called for its cooperation with the Information Commission to effectively uphold citizens' right to know.