Right to information: Time for the sunshine law

The recent political transformation in Bangladesh, marked by the formation of an interim government, presents a critical opportunity to revitalize the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Historically, this legislation remained underutilized due to fears of authority reprisals, leaving civil society largely disconnected from the mechanisms of transparency. The new leadership signals a shift in governance culture, encouraging citizens, particularly the youth who led recent protests, to move beyond traditional activism and engage with legal tools for systemic change. The RTI Act functions as a vital bridge between citizens and public officials, replacing colonial-era secrecy with mandatory accountability. By requiring prompt responses to information requests, it forces government bodies to justify their actions and exposes potential misconduct. This process not only empowers individuals to assess official performance but also creates sustained public scrutiny, ensuring that transparency and good governance become integral to the democratic framework rather than theoretical ideals. This article is highly relevant to open data because it highlights the practical legal infrastructure necessary for data transparency to yield democratic impact. It underscores that access to information is not merely about availability but requires active citizen engagement to hold institutions accountable. By detailing the mechanisms for requesting and appealing information, it demonstrates how open data principles can be operationalized through existing laws to combat corruption and foster a responsive, open government.

Source: thedailystar.net
Published on 2024-08-20

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