Proactive disclosure a must for promoting people's right to info
Says chief info commissioner
Chief Information Commissioner Muhammad Zamir speaks at the inaugural session of a training programme titled 'Right to information' organised by Management and Resources Development Initiative (MRDI). On his right is Shahjahan, director general of Anti-Corruption Commission and on his left is Hasibur Rahman, executive director of MRDI. Photo: MRDI
Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) Muhammad Zamir yesterday stressed the need for complying with principles of disclosure of public information that will promote people's right to information, said a press release. Maximum proactive disclosure is the main principle of the concept of Right to Information. Transparency and accountability in all areas of the society can only be ensured if the demand and supply sides of information disclosure are strengthened, he said. The CIC was addressing the inaugural ceremony of a two-day training for Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) officials on Right to Information (RTI) act at a local hotel. Management and Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) organised the training with support from USAID PROGATI, aiming to guide the ACC officials on the use of the RTI law in disclosing information to the public. The CIC said media has a vital role in ensuring effective implementation of the RTI law. Significant steps have been taken by the media in promoting the right to information regime around the world, he added. He said transparency and accountability are two vital elements of good governance that can be ensured through free flow of information. The media occupies a critical place in the governance process. A vital part is its role of a gatekeeper, disseminating critical messages to the public and highlighting issues, concerns and initiatives. Muhammad Zamir said the training is appropriate for ACC officials and will help them play their role in implementation of the RTI law and serve people with required information. Shahjahan, director general ACC, welcomed the initiative and said people have the right to know but there are rules that protect the officials' right not to disclose certain information. This training will enable ACC officials to determine which information should be disclosed and which should not be. MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman in his opening remarks mentioned the major challenges in implementation of the RTI law. He said unless the government and non-government organisations (NGOs) implement the RTI law, its strength, weaknesses, limitations and appropriateness would not be ascertained. He laid emphasis on the proactive role of NGOs in creating public awareness about the RTI law that ensures people's right to get information both from the government and NGOs. Twenty senior officials of ACC are participating in the fifth batch of the training. A total of 100 ACC officials have been trained in five batches under the programme.
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