Bangladesh: Two years of the RTI Act and What we have Achieved?

October 31, 2011 by Md. Raisul Islam Sourav

Market in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is indicative of a growing agricultural economy. Image via IFPRI Images

Right to information along with access to information is one of the most fundamental rights enjoyed by a citizenry.  The Right to Information (RTI) Act has its origins in 2008, when the RTI Ordinance was drafted and subsequently passed into law by Sheikh Hasina’s government.  Disturbingly, but not surprisingly, certain elements in the political establishment now want to reduce the scope of the act. This has its roots in the fact that this is the only law which is solely enacted for citizens to protect their rights.

Although Bangladeshi’s have an ocean of laws, only the RTI Act creates an opportunity for average citizens to investigate day-to-day functions/policies of public organs.

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