Rajshahi: An orientation session on the Right to Information (RTI) was held for students at Nowhata Government High School under Paba upazila of the district. “Access to information is your right”– a response came instantly from the stage against a student’s question, “Is it really possible to get information if we ask for it?” The auditorium turned silent but erupted in applause after hearing the answer. The session was lively, filled with quizzes, a question-and-answer segment, and real-life stories.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting took place on the school premises, emphasizing the necessity of the right to access information for building an accountable and transparent governance system. The speakers highlighted that citizens’ right to seek and receive information is crucial, equating information with power, which helps in establishing good governance and combating corruption. The United Nations and the Constitution of Bangladesh recognize this right as fundamental, with Article 39(1) of the Constitution specifically mentioning it.
The event was organized by the Bangladesh Country Office of The Carter Center, aiming to raise awareness among citizens about their right to information and ensure the effective implementation of the RTI Act to prevent corruption. The initiative was backed by the combined office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Several real-life examples demonstrating the successful application of the RTI Act were shared, showcasing how information on development project expenditures prevented irregularities and how genuine beneficiaries received support under social safety net programs.
The orientation explained RTI as a fundamental democratic right, allowing citizens to access information held by the government and certain private institutions. Discussions covered the RTI Act 2009’s background, objectives, and significance, along with details on information definition, the responsibilities of designated officers, institutional obligations, application procedures, response processes, and fees.
The session’s quiz competition, themed “Know the Law, Know Your Rights,” engaged students, turning the auditorium into an open learning space. Applause for correct answers and laughter at wrong ones added to the interactive atmosphere. According to the organizers, such participatory events effectively generate interest in law and civic rights among young people.
Students shared reflections at the meeting. Rimti, a sixth-grade student, said, “Before today’s event, the right to information was limited to textbook pages for us. Through real examples and quizzes, we have understood how seeking information can help stand against injustice and corruption. Now it feels like we can ask questions too.” Eighth-grade student Ifat added, “I didn’t have much idea about the Right to Information Act before. Today I learned that even as ordinary citizens, we can request information from government offices. This knowledge has boosted our confidence and inspired us to become more conscious citizens in the future.”
Fazlul Bari, deputy director of the ACC, spoke as the chief guest, stating that effective implementation of the Right to Information Act 2009 increases transparency in both public and private institutions and reduces opportunities for corruption. He emphasized that the right to information is a powerful tool for citizen empowerment and that creating awareness among students and young people is crucial for building a corruption-free society.
In her welcome address, Shammi Laila Islam, country representative of The Carter Center, noted that accurate information is power and that the law ensures the free flow of information, including women’s rights to access information. ACC Assistant Director Tanvir Ahmed, Headmaster Omar Ali, and President of the Corruption Prevention Committee Akhtar Faruk also spoke at the event. The students’ awareness and confidence by the meeting’s end offered a hopeful sign for building a responsible citizenry in the future.