Right to information act

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THE Chief Adviser's announcement on February 1 that the right to information act would be promulgated soon was a piece of welcome news for all of us who believe in the freedom of expression. The Law Commission drafted the act nearly six years ago. But so far nothing happened as follow-up action on the same.
Now it seems that things are moving again. The need for putting in place such an act has been articulated by the members of the civil society for a long time. Its benefits have been propounded at many forums, and the same do hardly need any elaboration. The much needed transparency, particularly in matters relating to finance, which has been the prime reason for propelling our country to the topmost place among the most corrupt countries in the world, will be infused in all government activities, if the Freedom of Information Act is there, replacing the age-old Official Secrets Act. It will certainly make public office holders accountable to the people.
Some of the SAARC countries have enacted the act. India passed the Bill in 2005 and Nepal has operationalised this law since Aug 2007, while Pakistan was the first in the region in this regard, having passed the Act in 2002.
The people in this country have for long been in the dark about the fate of the proposed act. However, the present caretaker government deserves the credit for taking the right action to facilitate the proposed law to see the light of the day sooner than later. The chief adviser has already assured all concerned about this. Before enactment of the law, there should be wide publicity so that people can give their views on it. We think the proposed law, when enacted and operationalised, will go a long way in strengthening democracy in Bangladesh.

Ahmed Reza
Dhaka