Badarganj: Media workers can play a crucial role in ensuring the rights of citizens as well as establishing transparency and accountability in government activities through proper utilisation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The observation came at a views-exchange meeting on 'Right to Information Act in Journalism' organised by the Rangpur Regional Information Office of PID at the Badarganj upazila parishad conference room here on Tuesday.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Badarganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Mizanur Rahman was present as the chief guest at the event with Information Officer of Rangpur Regional Information Office Md Farhad Ahmed in the chair. Assistant Information Officer of the Regional Information Office Ayesha Siddika also addressed the event moderated by Assistant Information Officer Md Rupal Mia.
The chief guest emphasized that the RTI Act is a law that grants every citizen the right to know the amount of budget allocated by the government in any sector, how it is being spent, and how much benefit is being achieved from it. He highlighted the importance of sincere participation of media workers in this matter, noting that media workers act as the mirror of society and can make society more responsible through their objective and awareness-raising work. He urged everyone to work collectively to build a transparent and accountable state system.
Farhad Ahmed noted that the RTI Act is an important tool for ensuring transparency and accountability in a democratic society. This act provides citizens with the right to know government information, which aids in establishing good governance. He emphasized that if government officials, media, and civil society work together and contribute responsibly and as aware citizens, the act can be implemented effectively.