RTI can empower people by ensuring access to info

The Right to Information Act can empower people by ensuring their access to important information about services of the government bodies and non-governmental organisations, said speakers at a press conference yesterday.

Management and Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) organised the press conference after ending of an RTI awareness camp at Shinghajhuli in Chowgacha upazilla of Jessore, says a press release.

MRDI with support from Manusher Jonno Foundation organised the camp and put up festoons and wall-writing at several spots with information related to public services.

MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman at the press conference said 30 local people participated in the camp resulting in the filing of 58 RTI applications to various government bodies and NGOs. 

The participants also shared their experiences at the press conference.

One Rashida Khatun said when officials at a local heath complex told her that the drug she demanded was unavailable, she filed an RTI application seeking a list of drugs that had been dispensed at the hospital as well as the names of the beneficiaries. Later, she got the information.

She said, "I don't think there will be irregularities in dispensing medicine at the health complex anymore," "Officials will realise that the people have a right to know," she added.

"I can see the difference in Chowgacha," said Dr Md Humayun Kabir, deputy commissioner of Jessore. "As the RTI Act is used more frequently, it will reduce corruption and bring the people and the administration close together."