The RTI Act of 2009 Empowers Citizens to Combat Corruption

Published: 12 December 2024

In a groundbreaking nationwide initiative, communities across Bangladesh are taking a bold step towards transparency and accountability through Information Fairs that bring government services directly to the people. Driven by the Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2009, these notable events have been redefining the way citizens engage with local authorities throughout November 2024.

From the bustling streets of Sylhet to the quiet towns of Khagrachari, these Information Fairs have become a beacon of hope for citizens seeking to understand and access government services. More than just information booths, these events are a celebration of civic engagement and transparency.

In Sylhet, government officials set the tone for the information fair by emphasizing that the Right to Information Act 2009 is a crucial tool for making government offices accountable. The fair featured several government and non-government offices that served more than two thousand citizens, illustrating the effectiveness of open communication. Ferhana Ferdous, Director of Civic Engagement at TIB, was also in attendance as a special guest, among other notable figures. Faridpur's approach was particularly innovative. The campaign was led by TIB’s Youth Engagement & Support (YES) members, who assisted residents in navigating the details of information requests. A quiz competition added excitement to the proceedings, and around seven-hundred people left with the knowledge they were looking for. Each location brought its unique flavor to the events. In Savar, the fair included not just information dissemination but also public hearings, quiz competitions, and cultural programs. Sreemangal took it a step further with an Anti-Corruption Signature campaign and a Cartoon Exhibition, turning information sharing into a community celebration.

In a powerful demonstration of grassroots empowerment, citizens across Bangladesh are exercising the Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2009 as a powerful weapon against corruption. The information fairs organized by the CCCs are transforming the landscape of governance, giving communities an extraordinary tool to demand transparency and accountability.

Local administrators are not just passive observers but active champions of this transparency drive. Deputy Commissioners across various districts have consistently emphasized the importance of the RTI Act in combating corruption. Their message was clear - free flow of information is the strongest antidote to administrative malpractice.

What makes these fairs truly remarkable is their holistic approach. They are not just about information exchange but about building a culture of accountability. Quiz competitions, anti-corruption signature campaigns, cartoon exhibitions, and public hearings have transformed these events into vibrant celebrations of civic participation.

These information fairs are more than just occasions; they are revolutionary platforms where citizens can directly engage with government institutions, ask questions, and access critical information that was once hidden behind bureaucratic walls. By creating spaces where information flows freely, these fairs are the platform for building trust, reducing corruption, and empowering communities to actively participate in their own governance.

Across various locations, thousands of citizens engaged with government institutions, submitted information requests, and gained insights into public services. In Kushtia, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority was recognized as the top service provider, while in Barishal, the District Education office received highest appreciation for its citizen-friendly approach. The local administrators consistently emphasized the importance of the RTI Act in combating corruption and establishing transparency and urged citizens to "curb corruption through free flow of information," while in Pirojpur the information fair highlighted the RTI Act's role in ensuring accountability and good governance.

TIB’s YES groups played a crucial role in these fairs, helping citizens understand their rights, fill out application forms, and navigate the information request process in Madaripur. Their involvement demonstrates a growing youth-led movement towards transparent governance. In Kishoreganj, the fair provided information about various services to over a thousand community people. The management of the 250-bed Kishoreganj General Hospital addressed a variety of issues and concerns raised by the public at a public hearing at the fair. The hospital's administration promised to improve its services by taking action.

Several government institutions participated in the Mymensingh information fair and disseminated their service-related information. A public hearing was held at the fair where BRTA office, Passport office, District Register Office and the Education Office responded to different issues raised by citizens. As these fairs continue to spread across Bangladesh, they offer a promising model of civic engagement that could inspire similar initiatives worldwide. The message is clear: information is power, and when shared openly, it can transform societies.