People must know about RTI Act for optimum use

Benefits of the Right to Information Act need to be highlighted to ensure its optimum use by citizens, said speakers at the country's first ever RTI Camp yesterday.

MRDI and Jagroto Nagorik Committee (JANAK) organised the camp with support from Manusher Jonno Foundation at Shaheed Moshiur Rahman High School in Jessore, according to a press release.

Chief Information Commissioner Mohammed Farooq was present as chief guest, while Deputy Commissioner of Jessore Dr Md Humayun Kabir chaired the function.

Mohammed Farooq said the act is the only law in the country that citizens can apply on authorities instead of the other way round.  

Citizens are empowered by the act and the maiden camp has added a new dimension to the campaign for people's right to know, he added.

Information Commissioner Nepal Chandra Sarker said implementation and benefits of the RTI Act depend upon the extent of use of the law by people. They would use it frequently if they were aware of the act's benefits, he said.

Hasibur Rahman, executive director of MRDI, said the camp wants to make the people's right to know movement more dynamic. 

Dr Md Humayun Kabir said the act would make the district administration and the activities of upazila and union parishads more transparent and people-friendly.

"The presence of dignitaries has inspired us to be more positive about people's right to know," he said.

Additional Superintendent of Police of Jessore Md Shahid Abu Sarowar and Chairman of Chowgachha upazila SM Habibur Rahman, among others, also spoke.

Representatives from the district and upazila administrations, journalists, teachers, students and about 1,500 peoples from all walks of life were present.