0.13m seek data from entities

Different stakeholders in the country have so far made more than 0.12-million applications to seek data from public and private entities using the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Information and broadcasting minister Dr Hasan Mahmud disclosed this on Wednesday.

Of them, 124,545 requests were settled by the government and non-government entities concerned, he said.

Dr Hasan said this at a seminar to celebrate International Right to Information Day-2022 organised by the Information Commission at the Bangladesh Film Archives Auditorium in Agargaon area.

"The introduction of the RTI by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been an epoch-making one to establish people's rights," he added.

Underscoring the need for public awareness of the law, the minister said they should know that the providing agency may refuse giving any sensitive information.

Highlighting the government's role in ensuring the smooth flow of information, he said an estimated 1,200 dailies are now being published in Bangladesh.

Currently, 36 private television channels are on air against a total of 47 licensed stations to operate.

Information commissioner Suraiya Begum chaired the seminar where information secretary Md Mokbul Hossain, another commissioner Abdul Malek, and Management and Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) executive director Hasibur Rahman Mukur spoke.

Commissioner Suraiya said people from all walks of life, including journalists, researchers and development workers, can easily access information from various organisations using an RTI form.

Even during the coronavirus pandemic, according to her, people could easily get access to information using digital platforms.

Digital literacy is becoming an important factor to get information and ensure one's privacy, Ms Suraiya cited.

A number of government agencies were awarded at the seminar for their outstanding performance in dealing with the RTI management.

The chief guest distributed crests and certificates among them.

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