Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Dr Iftekharuzzaman has said that he believes that the right to information belongs to the people of the country, and the culture of harassment lawsuits for seeking information must be stopped.
He made these remarks at a seminar organised by the Right to Information Forum on Sunday at a hotel in the capital, on the occasion of “International Right to Know Day, 2025”.
Iftekharuzzaman said, “Government information is an asset of the people; it does not belong to any individual or institution. The culture of not providing information, and of harassment for requesting information, must change.”
Economist Badiul Alam Majumdar also spoke, stating that bringing influential institutions under accountability and forming a strong commission for law enforcement will bring about this cultural change, adding that it is essential to bring political parties under the purview of the Right to Information Act.
Badiul Alam Majumdar said, “A proposal has been made to disclose the educational qualifications and income-expenditure details of candidates to the public ahead of the upcoming election.”
He further said, “Investment for women, ending their deprivation, and creating opportunities are essential for us because they constitute half of our society. Yet, they are deprived in various fields.” He also believes that their representation must be ensured in all spheres.
Also present at the seminar were Secretary of the Chief Adviser’s Office Md Mahmudul Hossain Khan, UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh Susan Vize, and NDC, Director General of the NGO Affairs Bureau Md Daud Mia.
The keynote speech at the seminar was presented by Deputy Director of Research Initiative Bangladesh Ruhi Naz and the seminar was chaired by Convener of the Right to Information Forum Shaheen Anam.
