Right to Information

THE Right to Information (RTI) Act, if used judiciously, can be a powerful instrument for the governed to hold the government accountable. However, despite the crucial role RTI can play to shed light on the corrupt and unlawful practices of politicians and public and private institutions, journalists in the country have so far been largely unenthusiastic about using it.

Even five years after its enactment, RTI has reached only 5% of the total population. It is usually argued that the demand for information is miniscule because there is hardly any awareness of the benefits that RTI Act can deliver to the users. As far as journalists are concerned, however, the demand for information should be insatiable. Media outlets should highly encourage the use of RTI and build the capacity of journalists so they may challenge individuals and institutions through investigative journalism using RTI.  

The Information Commission and Information Ministry which, so far, have collaborated with Dhaka Reporter's Unity to train nearly a thousand of its members, should expand their support, increasing the number of journalists trained exponentially.

If more journalists use the act, the problems in its implementation – for instance, non-compliance on the part of most government and non-government authorities – will become more visible to the public. We believe that media and public outcry can oblige institutions to act accordingly or at any rate compel the government to take legal action against non-compliance institutions.

Meanwhile, journalists should take a pro-active stance to spread awareness about RTI amongst the public.