DHAKA: Bangladesh along with other countries of the world has been observing the ‘International Right to Know Day’ giving recognition of the people’s right to know information.

Information Commission has chalked out programmes to observe the day in all divisional headquarters including Dhaka and 64 districts.

Colorful rallies, discussions and information fairs are scheduled to be organized across the country.

On the eve of the day, Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have given separate messages in this regard.

President, in his message, said “Free flow of information plays a vital role in empowering people, establishing their right and in securing transparency-accountability in the country.”

“Information make people aware and help in taking right decisions this is why I consider ‘Right to Information’ is an important right for people,” he added.

He further said Information Commission has taken initiatives to aware people about their rights conferred under the Right to Information Act, 2009 by airing programs about it on TV, radio and newspapers, news portals and other media. This has made people aware about how they would get necessary information.

I believe, proper implementation of Right to Information Act will help people in playing vital role in state building through providing a clear conception about the activities of the state.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a separate message, said Information is a tool to empower people.

Right to Information is invaluable in establishing good governance and democracy in the country and in building a society devoid of corruption.

Recognising this right, we passed the Right to Information Act, 2009, in the first session of the ninth parliament and formed the Information Commission under the act.

The premier also mentioned the formation of National Portal comprising of some 25,000 government websites to provide necessary information to people.

She also talked about giving licenses to 41 private television and 24 FM Radio channels in a bid to widen the information flow.

BDST: 1020 HRS, SEP 28, 2014