DHAKA: Chairman of the Information Commission Mahammad Jamir Sunday emphasized the imperative of creating mass awareness about the Right to Information Act 2009 to make common people conscious about their rights and responsibilities.

He also suggested bringing private and multinational organizations under the act to ensure people’s right to know given in the constitution.

He made the suggestions at a discussion on ‘Experience of Marginal Community in Implementing Right to Information Act of Bangladesh’ organized by Research Initiative Bangladesh with the financial assistance of Rosa Luxembourg Stiftung, a Berlin-based organization, at the National Press Club. Its Chairman Dr Shamsul Bari was in the chair.

Jamir also called upon the people to have patience as the act came into force only on July 1, 2009.

Representatives from five marginal communities shared their experiences in availing the right-to-information benefit.

They alleged that government officials assigned to the job were very reluctant to give information.

They suggested assigning Information Officer in every government office and providing them training to get proper access to information.

Abu Taher and Dr Sadeka Halim, two members of the commission, also addressed the discussion meeting.

BDST: 1910HRS, May 30, 2010
TSA/MMA/MUA