Successful implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) act can be the best way of supplementing the government efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Full-length implementation of the RTI act with unhindered flow of information by all government and non-government organisations concerned needs to be ensured for expediting development and ensuring good governance everywhere in society.
The observation came at a daylong training workshop on RTI for government officials at BRAC Learning Centre on Saturday.
Association for Community Development (ACD) hosted the training supported by the Carter Centre under the "Advancing Women's Right of Access to Information in Bangladesh" project.
Ensuring responsiveness of the public offices for providing information in an efficient and equitable manner was the main objective of the workshop.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Mohinul Hassan, Paba Upazila Nirbahi Officer Abu Saleh Muhammad Hasnat, Mohanpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ayesha Siddiquea and Programme Officer of the Carter Centre Rokhsana Afroz addressed the opening session as guests of honour.
ACD Director Sharmin Subrina gave an overview of the project along with its objectives and implantation strategy during her concept paper presentation while Project Coordinator Subrata Kumar Paul moderated the discussion.
Sharmin Subrina told the meeting that the project is being implemented in Ward Number 16 and 17 of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) and Paba and Mohanpur upazilas of Rajshahi district.
As a whole, the project is intended to create an enabling environment where women, especially Dalit and Marginalised are able to enjoy Right to information from government and non-government agencies for protecting their fundamental Rights.
Former Additional Secretary Abdul Karim and Prof Pronab Kumar Panday from the Department of Public Administration at Rajshahi University conducted the training sessions as resource persons.
A total of 30 officers of different public offices who support the designated officials to provide information to the public, in general, joined the training workshop.
Terming access to information as vital Abdul Karim observed that the role of RTI act to achieve the SDGs is very much effective as its basic objective to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all, adding its key commitment is "no one will be left behind".
Mohinul Hassan said the present government under the prudent and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has adopted diversified steps to attain the goals within stipulated time.
"Implementation of the RTI act has become crucial for the sake of establishing good governance in the society and enhancing transparency and accountability in all tiers of public services," he added.
