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Information commission needs independence
As Bangladesh faces escalating demands for greater accountability in governance, the prolonged dysfunctioning of its information commission signals a troubling disregard for the nation's commitment to transparency. Six months after the 2024 political changeover, the commission remains non-functiona
Information commission needs independence
FE
Published :
Mar 08, 2025 22:59
Updated :
Mar 08, 2025 22:59
As Bangladesh faces escalating demands for greater accountability in governance, the prolonged dysfunctioning of its information commission signals a troubling disregard for the nation's commitment to transparency. Six months after the 2024 political changeover, the commission remains non-functional, its leadership positions vacant despite discussions with the interim government. This alarming development, brought to light by the Information Rights Forum (IRF) recently at a press conference, highlights a significant lapse in governance. The IRF has justifiably called for the information commission to be established as an independent constitutional body-a move that would enhance its autonomy and safeguard it from political interference. Without such independence, the commission risks repeating past failures, such as the appointment of politically aligned leaders, which eroded public trust.
The IRF has proposed several amendments to the Right to Information (RTI) Act to enhance its effectiveness. These include expanding the Act's scope to cover private organisations operating with government licences or contracts, revising information delivery timelines, designating union-level offices as information-providing units, and increasing penalties for non-compliance. These proposals have merit. Not only would they strengthen the RTI framework, but they would also transform it from a mere legal right into a practical tool for citizens. During the previous autocratic regime, the commission-despite being the primary regulatory body for enforcing the RTI Act-was compromised by political allegiances within its leadership. Positions meant for impartial oversight were instead filled through political appointments, undermining its credibility and preventing it from functioning as a truly independent watchdog. As a result, the commission remained vulnerable to political interference, and its lack of autonomy routinely sidelined citizens' right to information when it mattered most.
For the RTI Act to serve its intended purpose, it must be fully implemented without obstruction. The current state of affairs, characterized by prolonged inactivity and apparent government indifference, is unacceptable. The government must recognise the information commission's crucial role in fostering transparency and accountability -- both essential pillars of a healthy democracy. It should prioritise granting the information commission constitutional status to guarantee its operational and financial independence. The proposed amendments to the RTI Act, as presented by the IRF, provide a clear roadmap for strengthening the commission and ensuring its effectiveness. The government should engage in constructive dialogue with the IRF and other stakeholders to expedite the amendment process and address any concerns. The appointment of commissioners must be conducted with utmost transparency, impartiality and urgency, ensuring that individuals of high integrity and competence are selected. Additionally, the government should allocate sufficient resources to the commission, enabling it to perform its duties effectively. Establishing clear operational rules and procedures for the commission and clear performance metrics for commissioners, particularly regarding information disclosure and appeals, is also crucial.
A functional information commission is the bedrock of participatory democracy that enables citizens to hold power to account. The interim government, tasked with implementing critical reforms to pave the way for future democratic processes, cannot remain passive while a cornerstone of transparency crumbles. A democracy thrives when its citizens are well-informed, and ensuring an efficient, independent information commission is vital for building an open and accountable governance system. The time to act is now, to ensure that the Right to Information Act becomes a powerful instrument for promoting good governance and empowering citizens.
FE
Published :
Mar 08, 2025 22:59
Updated :
Mar 08, 2025 22:59
As Bangladesh faces escalating demands for greater accountability in governance, the prolonged dysfunctioning of its information commission signals a troubling disregard for the nation's commitment to transparency. Six months after the 2024 political changeover, the commission remains non-functional, its leadership positions vacant despite discussions with the interim government. This alarming development, brought to light by the Information Rights Forum (IRF) recently at a press conference, highlights a significant lapse in governance. The IRF has justifiably called for the information commission to be established as an independent constitutional body-a move that would enhance its autonomy and safeguard it from political interference. Without such independence, the commission risks repeating past failures, such as the appointment of politically aligned leaders, which eroded public trust.
The IRF has proposed several amendments to the Right to Information (RTI) Act to enhance its effectiveness. These include expanding the Act's scope to cover private organisations operating with government licences or contracts, revising information delivery timelines, designating union-level offices as information-providing units, and increasing penalties for non-compliance. These proposals have merit. Not only would they strengthen the RTI framework, but they would also transform it from a mere legal right into a practical tool for citizens. During the previous autocratic regime, the commission-despite being the primary regulatory body for enforcing the RTI Act-was compromised by political allegiances within its leadership. Positions meant for impartial oversight were instead filled through political appointments, undermining its credibility and preventing it from functioning as a truly independent watchdog. As a result, the commission remained vulnerable to political interference, and its lack of autonomy routinely sidelined citizens' right to information when it mattered most.
For the RTI Act to serve its intended purpose, it must be fully implemented without obstruction. The current state of affairs, characterized by prolonged inactivity and apparent government indifference, is unacceptable. The government must recognise the information commission's crucial role in fostering transparency and accountability -- both essential pillars of a healthy democracy. It should prioritise granting the information commission constitutional status to guarantee its operational and financial independence. The proposed amendments to the RTI Act, as presented by the IRF, provide a clear roadmap for strengthening the commission and ensuring its effectiveness. The government should engage in constructive dialogue with the IRF and other stakeholders to expedite the amendment process and address any concerns. The appointment of commissioners must be conducted with utmost transparency, impartiality and urgency, ensuring that individuals of high integrity and competence are selected. Additionally, the government should allocate sufficient resources to the commission, enabling it to perform its duties effectively. Establishing clear operational rules and procedures for the commission and clear performance metrics for commissioners, particularly regarding information disclosure and appeals, is also crucial.
A functional information commission is the bedrock of participatory democracy that enables citizens to hold power to account. The interim government, tasked with implementing critical reforms to pave the way for future democratic processes, cannot remain passive while a cornerstone of transparency crumbles. A democracy thrives when its citizens are well-informed, and ensuring an efficient, independent information commission is vital for building an open and accountable governance system. The time to act is now, to ensure that the Right to Information Act becomes a powerful instrument for promoting good governance and empowering citizens.
