New information commission faces a bigger task than clearing complaints

The appointment of Bangladesh’s new Information Commission marks a critical restoration of the institution essential for enforcing the Right to Information Act. For over two years, the absence of commissioners left citizens without effective recourse when public authorities refused to provide information, fostering an environment of bureaucratic secrecy and impunity. This gap has undermined democratic accountability, highlighting the urgent need for a functional body to mediate disputes and protect the right to know. The commissioners must go beyond resolving individual complaints to actively dismantle the entrenched culture of non-disclosure. By firmly applying statutory penalties for unjustified refusals and rigorously scrutinizing claimed exemptions, the commission can deter deliberate obstruction and promote transparency. This approach requires independent, reasoned decisions that establish clear legal precedents, ensuring that secrecy is not used as a convenient excuse to withhold information regarding public expenditure, services, or government decisions. This development is vital to open data because it shifts the paradigm from passive compliance to proactive accountability. Success depends on the commission enforcing consistent disclosure standards, monitoring compliance, and publishing its findings to build a robust body of jurisprudence. By addressing case backlogs and encouraging public authorities to routinely disclose key data, the new commission can transform openness into a standard administrative practice, thereby empowering citizens and strengthening democratic governance through accessible information.

Source: thedailystar.net
Published on 2026-10-24

New information commission faces a bigger task than clearing complaints

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