Change in mindset for free information a must

Speakers at an inaugural session of a three-day Right to Information Fair-2015 yesterday underscored the need for changing the tendency of hiding facts as well as the mindset of the government officials for effective implementation of the Right to Information Act (RTI) 2009. Expressing their concern over harassment of information seeker by the state mechanisms in the name of security of the state and legal bar to asking for information about these incidents, the discussionts said people have rights to ask for information where there is possibility of human rights violation. They said proper preservation of information is essential so that people can get those at their time of necessary. But the system of preserving information in the country, especially in the government offices, is very week. As a result, many offices can not provide required information to the people, they added. The speakers made the remarks at an inaugural ceremony of ‘Right to Information Fair-2015’ on Khulna Public Hall (Zia Hall) premises under Sonadanga police staton in the city. Deputy Commissioner of Khulna Md Mostafa Kamal inaugurated the fair and addressed the function as chief guest.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and Conscious Citizen Committee (CCC), Khulna district unit have jointly been organising the fair in collaboration Khulna District Adminisration stressing on free flow of information to develop the country.
Senior Information Officer of Press Information Department (PID), Khulna Zinat Ara Ahmed and President of Khulna Press Club Mokbul Hossain Mintu were present as special guests. Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Khulna Noor-e-Alam presided over the inaugural session. CCC members Prof Anowarul Quadir, Syed Monoar Ali,  Shamima Sultana Shilu,  MA Qaiyum, Rama Rahman, Ashok Kumar Saha, Monowara Begum, among others, spoke on the occasion.

Change in mindset for free information a must

Speakers at an inaugural session of a three-day Right to Information Fair-2015 yesterday underscored the need for changing the tendency of hiding facts as well as the mindset of the government officials for effective implementation of the Right to Information Act (RTI) 2009. Expressing their concern over harassment of information seeker by the state mechanisms in the name of security of the state and legal bar to asking for information about these incidents, the discussionts said people have rights to ask for information where there is possibility of human rights violation. They said proper preservation of information is essential so that people can get those at their time of necessary. But the system of preserving information in the country, especially in the government offices, is very week. As a result, many offices can not provide required information to the people, they added. The speakers made the remarks at an inaugural ceremony of Right to Information Fair-2015 on Khulna Public Hall (Zia Hall) premises under Sonadanga police staton in the city. Deputy Commissioner of Khulna Md Mostafa Kamal inaugurated the fair and addressed the function as chief guest. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and Conscious Citizen Committee (CCC), Khulna district unit have jointly been organising the fair in collaboration Khulna District Adminisration stressing on free flow of information to develop the country. Senior Information Officer of Press Information Department (PID), Khulna Zinat Ara Ahmed and President of Khulna Press Club Mokbul Hossain Mintu were present as special guests. Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Khulna Noor-e-Alam presided over the inaugural session. CCC members Prof Anowarul Quadir, Syed Monoar Ali, Shamima Sultana Shilu, MA Qaiyum, Rama Rahman, Ashok Kumar Saha, Monowara Begum, among others, spoke on the occasion.