The information commission is a prime mover of the RTI Act
The appointment of new commissioners to Bangladesh’s Information Commission marks a critical step toward establishing a functional body capable of ensuring transparent and accountable governance. A fully operational commission is indispensable for adjudicating disputes between citizens seeking information and public officials who may resist disclosure. This development is particularly relevant to open data advocates, as an empowered commission serves as the primary enforcement mechanism for the Right to Information Act, transforming legal rights into tangible access to government records. Examining regional precedents in Pakistan and Sri Lanka reveals the transformative potential of proactive information commissions. In Pakistan, the commission successfully enforced disclosure regarding gifts received by high-ranking officials, leading to significant policy reforms and even criminal convictions, thereby demonstrating that transparency strengthens rather than weakens international relations. Similarly, the Sri Lankan commission took direct legal action against non-compliant officers, proving that commissions can actively penalize obstruction and compel the release of sensitive documents, such as internal probe reports, that governments might attempt to classify. These examples highlight that the power of right to information laws extends far beyond simple data retrieval; they act as tools for systemic accountability and institutional reform. For Bangladesh, the relevance to open data lies in leveraging these international lessons to encourage citizens to assert their rights. By fostering a culture where citizens actively use these legal mechanisms, the commission can ensure that public information is not just available, but actually accessible, driving broader governmental openness and trust.
Source: thedailystar.netPublished on 2023-09-16