President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Sunday asked the Information Commission, Bangladesh (ICB) to take necessary measures for creating awareness at the grassroots so that the people can know about the proper use and enforcement of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
"Access to information is a basic human right... Besides, the free flow of information expands public welfare and curtails corruption," the President told an ICB delegation as it submitted 'Annual Report 2022' to him.
Led by Chief Information Commissioner Dr Abdul Malek, the four-member delegation included Information Commissioners - Shahidul Alam Jhinuk and Masuda Bhatti, and ICB Secretary Zubeda Nasreen.
The President suggested the ICB authorities to involve people at all levels, including, the administration and representatives of civil society members, to enhance the implementation of the RTI, President's Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin told BSS after the meeting.
"If the Right to Information Act is widely implemented, it will help reduce corruption in society," the Head of State said.
During the meeting, President Shahabuddin was apprised by the chief information commissioner of the overall activities of the ICB, particularly in providing information to the public.
Dr. Malek told the President that in 2022, the amount of payable information is about 97 percent compared to the required information.
Besides, he informed the President about the overall activities of the commission, including infrastructure development.
Secretaries concerned were present during the meeting.
UNB adds: President Mohammed Sahabuddin on Sunday suggested the Information Commission Bangladesh (ICB) to be more proactive in implementing the Right to Information(RTI) Act to ensure people’s access to information.
The president came up with the suggestion when a 4-member delegation led by Chief Information Commissioner Dr. Abdul Malek presented the Annual Report-2022 at Bangabhaban, President's Press secretary Joynal Abedin told UNB.
During the meeting, the chief information commissioner informed the president about the overall activities of the commission.
The president said free flow of information ensures public welfare and curbs corruption.
He said if the Right to Information Act is widely used in the fight against corruption it will be reduced from the society.
The president asked the commission to take necessary measures to raise awareness among the people at the grass root level about the use of the act.
Information Commissioners Shahidul Alam Jhinuk , Masuda Bhatti and Information Commission Secretary Zubeda Nasreen were present.
Secretaries concerned to the President were also present.
