On the occasion of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2024, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the Information Commission to shield it from partisan influence.
TIB considers this reform essential for building a "New Bangladesh" that guarantees freedom of speech and unrestricted access to information.
In a press statement, TIB emphasized the need to avoid past practices of withholding information, advocating instead for the right to information as a vital tool for public service. The organization outlined a 13-point set of recommendations, including timely amendments to the Right to Information Act of 2009, aimed at ensuring universal access to information, enhancing public participation, and improving transparency.
TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman remarked, "The extraordinary optimism generated by our youth, following their unprecedented sacrifices and the fall of the authoritarian regime, has inspired a vision to rebuild a 'New Bangladesh.' Freedom of speech, the right to dissent, and the unrestricted flow of information are integral to this vision. Ensuring the free flow of information is fundamental to our belief in creating a transparent, accountable, and corruption-free Bangladesh. The downfall of the past authoritarian regime was fueled by the systematic manipulation of information, the creation of false narratives, and the suppression of free expression and dissenting opinions. TIB urges the interim government to prioritize free speech and the right to information as essential components of this new era."
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman further noted, "Attacks, harassment, and even death threats have become normalized for those seeking information through legal avenues. We must promptly initiate the necessary amendments to the Right to Information Act and establish a non-partisan Information Commission to break the culture of secrecy and foster greater transparency."
TIB has presented 13-point recommendations to ensure universal right to information, information accessibility and public participation.
The recommendations include effectively implementing the Right to Information Act as one of the key instruments for ensuring freedom of speech and the right to dissent; abolishing all legal and institutional obstacles, especially discarding digital structures for public surveillance created under some draconian laws; comprehensive reform of the Information Commission, focusing on transparent appointments of qualified personnel as commissioners free from partisan influence, to enhance its effectiveness; simplifying digital tools and infrastructure to improve access to and disclosure of information; amending and repealing laws that conflict with the Right to Information Act, 2009; ensuring no future legislation conflicts with the spirit or implementation of the Right to Information Act; adding provisions in the Right to Information Act to ensure the necessary legal protection for access to information etc.
