International experts on right to information (RTI) have stressed ensuring the integrity of information commissions and recognising the governments as the key stakeholders in the information giving process at an event in Dhaka. Members and staff of information commissions, along with lawyers, journalists and civil society members from six countries – Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Kenya and South Africa – met in Dhaka on Thursday and Friday to discuss the RTI issues. Dr Md Golam Rahman, chief information commissioner of Bangladesh, observed that legislative measures are required to ensure speedy disposal of appeals and complaints when designated officers of the institutions concerned do not provide the sought for information within the statutory time limit of 48 hours. Information Commissioner Dr Khurshida Begum Sayeed said developing a culture of transparency was crucial for the successful implementation of the RTI Act. The Social Architects (TSA), Research Initiative Bangladesh (RIB) and BLAST hosted the meeting.

Source: Dhaka Tribune October 27, 2017 16:52 UTC