Cabinet Division of the Government of Bangladesh, with support from Carter Center, organised a day-long training programme titled “Training on Right to Information Act 2009 and Gender Responsiveness for Designated Officers” on Tuesday.
The session, held at Meghna Hall, Pan Pacific Sonargaon, aimed to enhance the capacity of designated officers (DOs) to effectively implement the RTI Act and ensure gender-responsive access to information.
A total of 26 government officials from various ministries, departments, and government offices, currently serving as designated officers, participated in the training.
As the primary contact for citizens seeking information, these officers play a critical role in the Act’s implementation, with their responsiveness and sensitivity directly impacting the public’s ability to exercise their right to information.
Farah Shammi, NDC, secretary (Coordination and Reforms), Cabinet Division, attended the event as the chief guest.
Addressing the participants, she described the RTI Act as a symbol of national commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability. “Information assists people to take part in the decision-making process, to observe the activities of government institutions, and also empowers them to claim their rights,” she said.
Mohammad Khaled Hasan, additional secretary, Cabinet Division, who attended as the special guest, highlighted the historical importance of information and the vital role DOs play in strengthening governance and improving public service delivery through accurate disclosure.
Earlier, Shammi Laila Islam, country representative of Carter Center Bangladesh Country Office, delivered the welcome remarks alongside Mohammad Ashraful Alam, joint secretary, Cabinet Division.
Shammi said women often encounter additional barriers when seeking information, making gender-responsive implementation essential for achieving inclusive governance.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in sessions covering the RTI application process, proactive disclosure, record management, and the specific responsibilities of designated officials regarding gender responsiveness.
The programme also featured a forward-looking session on the “Future of Right to Information Act in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” facilitated by Mohammad Ashraful Alam.
