Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has urged a comprehensive overhaul of the Information Commission to protect it from partisan influence on the occasion of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2024.
TIB views this reform as critical to building a 'New Bangladesh' that guarantees freedom of speech and unhindered access to information.
In a press statement, TIB highlighted the need to move away from previous practices of withholding information, advocating for the right to information as a means to serve the public.
TIB presented a 13-point set of recommendations, calling for the timely amendment of the Right to Information Act of 2009 to ensure universal access to information, enhance public participation, and improve transparency.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman stated, "The extraordinary optimism created by the youth of our nation, following their unprecedented sacrifices and the fall of the authoritarian regime, has sparked an exceptional optimism to rebuild a 'New Bangladesh.' Freedom of speech, the right to dissent, and the unrestricted flow of information are integral aspirations of this vision. Ensuring the free flow of information is fundamental to our belief in creating a transparent, accountable and corruption-free Bangladesh. The past authoritarian regime's downfall was driven by the systematic manipulation of information, creation of false narratives, and the suppression of free expression and dissenting opinion. TIB urges the interim government to prioritize free speech and the right to information as essential to this new era."
He further stated, "Attacks, incidents, various forms of harassment, and even death threats have become normalised in seeking information following legal proceedings. We must promptly initiate the necessary amendments of the Right to Information Act and establish a non-partisan Information Commission to break the culture of secrecy and foster greater transparency.
TIB’s 13-point recommendations include effectively implementing the Right to Information Act as one of the key instruments for ensuring freedom of speech and the right to dissent; abolishing all legal and institutional obstacles, especially discarding digital structures for public surveillance created under some draconian laws; comprehensive reform of the Information Commission, focusing on transparent appointments of qualified personnel as commissioners free from partisan influence, to enhance its effectiveness; simplifying digital tools and infrastructure to improve access to and disclosure of information; amending and repealing laws that conflict with the Right to Information Act, 2009; ensuring no future legislation conflicts with the spirit or implementation of the Right to Information Act; adding provisions in the Right to Information Act to ensure the necessary legal protection for access to information etc.
