RTI Act Implementation
Culture of refusal bar to info dissemination
Say speakers
Implementation of Right to Information (RTI) Act is being hampered due to inadequate knowledge about the law, bureaucratic issues, antiquated mindset of some journalists and a culture that refuses to disseminate information.
The opinions came at a seminar on “Experience sharing of RTI Act by Journalists” jointly organised by Management and Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) and World Bank Institute at a city hotel in Karwan Bazar.
Speakers at the programme said some journalists see RTI Act as a tool used by incompetent reporters, not capable of collecting information through their own sources.
They feel embarrassed to use the Act as it may question their capability as professional reporters, they said.
Farid Hossain, bureau chief of Associated Press, blamed lack of in-house training and encouragement to raise journalists' interest and awareness about the Act.
This is a major reason why many journalists remain suspicious and confused about the law, he added.
The Act also intimidates many bureaucrats, as it is a more formal and transparent process of giving information, the discussants said.
They fear drawing attention to themselves if the provided information is used to put the organisation under a negative light, they added.
“All in all, people seeking information under the (RTI) Act are not well-informed about the law, and neither are people receiving these requests,” said Farzana Naim, director (governance), Manusher Jonno Foundation.
There is a need to create more awareness and a culture that encourages sharing of information, she said.
Information Commissioner Prof Sadeka Halim said it is unfortunate that while the prime minister is talking about taking the Act to the remotest of areas, many government secretaries are unaware of the law.
Referring to the concerns of journalists, Prof Sadeka said Information Commission is always ready to extend cooperation to journalists.
But the commission has its own limitations regarding logistics and manpower. Although it is an independent body, it cannot appoint its own staff independently, she said.
Prof Sadeka stressed the need for more training of designated information officers so they can help people seeking information.
Earlier, Parimol Palma, senior reporter of The Daily Star; Emran Hossain, staff reporter of The Daily Star; Rashed Mehdi, senior reporter at Daily Shamokal; and Rafiqul Islam Sabuj, senior reporter at Daily Shokaler Khobor; shared their experience on using the Act.
They said many government officials, even at the top level, are not aware of the Act and most organisations do not have designated officials to see to requests based on the Act.
Boishakhi TV Chief Executive Officer Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul moderated the programme. Information Secretary Hedayetullah Al Mamun; News Editor of The Daily Star Ziaul Haq Swapan; MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman; and Joint News Editor of Daily Samakal Dipanker Lahery also spoke.
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