Right to information act-2009 in Bangladesh: an analysis

Abstract

Right to Information Act allow individuals and groups to understand the policies and actions of the government as an indicator of the growing recognition of the importance of the citizen's access to information as a catalyst for strengthening democracy, promoting human rights and good governance. International funding institutions are including the ratification of such an Act as a condition for funding, so Bangladesh not only to make itself receptive to donor advice but for ensuring effective governance has passed the Right to Information bill 2008 on 29 March 2009. The official statement of the RTI (Right to Information) Act-2009 is to make provisions for ensuring free flow of information and the people's RTI. Following the enactment of Act, governments must adequately implement the laws; otherwise, it becomes simply a "check the box" exercise. Thus, appropriate emphasis must be given to the implementation of the law, which requires action both from the supply side and the demand side of the Act.An important insight of modern information theory is that in many respects information is a public good, not a favor guaranteed by a state. In my study I will try to analyze and investigate the demand side and the supply side of the Act for its effective implementation. I will also analyze the Act itself in-depth, the driving force behind the emergence of the Act, International Principles on RTI and how far the legislation comply with that? A comparative study between U.S., India & Bangladesh will be made to find out the loopholes of the Act and at the same time to get some lesson for effective implementation, by giving a special focus on the commonalities & differences with the Act. The outcome of my thesis will help to understand and assess the readiness of the Government and how far the people are aware of this Act? Those findings will help to determine the action needed for effective implementation of this Act. Ultimately by facilitating the process of effective implementation, my thesis will in some ways help to promote good governance in Bangladesh through ensuring transparency and accountability and people's access in the administration