Published: 11 February 2025
A series of Information Fairs hit Chattogram, Lakshmipur, and Cumilla in January 2025, shining light into the lives of communities. These fairs, organized by the Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCCs) with the collaboration of local administrations, have turned out to be colorful platforms where citizens engage with government agencies, demystify the bureaucratic processes, and claim their right to information.
In Chattogram, a two-day Information Fair brought together government institutions, civil society, and enthusiastic youth under one roof. The fair was a dynamic convergence of ideas where information flowed freely, bridging the gap between public service providers and citizens.
The pinnacle of the program was an electrifying dialogue, "Youth Thoughts on Building a Bangladesh Free from Discrimination and Corruption," in which young minds with a passion for justice expressed their hopes for a more transparent and fair future. Citizens and officials again came forward with another exciting discussion, "Citizens' Thoughts for Building a Bangladesh Free from Discrimination and Corruption," in which voices from all walks of life joined to envision a nation built on integrity.
Beyond discussions, the fair pulsed with action-orientated initiatives, namely public hearings where grievances met solutions, interactive quizzes that tested knowledge on anti-corruption laws, and creative competitions that channeled civic awareness through art and debate. The citizens moved from stall to stall, manned by government and non-government organizations, collecting valuable insights on their rights and the services available to them.
In Lakshmipur, the fair started with a human rally that swept through the city streets - an inspiring and symbolic call by the masses together for accountability. As the crowds converged at the fairground site, a resurgence of civic dynamism took shape.
Government and non-governmental institutions stood in unison as they opened themselves to the service recipients. The Right to Information Act, 2009, was discussed in detail at the heart of the event. The orientation was meant to equip citizens with knowledge and the ability to demand accountability from the authorities. Excitement hung in the air as people engaged in the anti-corruption quiz, signed their names in the signature campaign and admired the artworks of an anti-corruption cartoon exhibition.
A high moment of the event was the public hearing, where representatives of important offices answered directly to the citizens. It wasn't just a conversation, but one for increasing accountability culture: instead of murmurs against things happening behind closed doors, now citizens can loudly speak in broad daylight.
In Cumilla, the Birchandra Gana-Pathagar and Nogor Milonayaton are historical places where, during the Information Fair, mass enlightenment took place. The work was very clearly targeted at giving citizens faith in their right to information.
There was a sense of unity right from the start. The event began with a successful rally, paving the way for two days of sharing knowledge on civic engagement in governance and participation. Twenty-six government institutions and private organizations opened their booths, each displaying an avenue leading to vital information about governance and public services.
The high point of the fair, however, was an invigorating civic dialogue entitled "Do's for Information Disclosure and the Right to Information Act." The collective epiphany-transparency is not only a policy; it is a culture that needs to be inculcated, which was perhaps an unintended effect of the fervent discussion going on between government officials, journalists, professionals, and laymen.
The young were actively contributing to shaping this very vision. The Cumilla YES Group arranged a flurry of events ranging from anti-corruption quizzes to energetic debates and art competitions. The energy and commitment underlined one powerful truth: the fight against corruption is a fight not for today but for generations to come.
With more such Fairs spreading across Bangladesh, this trend reflects a sea change in citizen engagement in governance. Information, previously buried under mounds of red tape, is now reachable, transparent, and empowering.
With each question asked, request submitted, and discussion held, these fairs are not events but a testament to accountability, transparency, and good governance. Citizens stand not as spectators but as active participants in shaping a nation that thrives on integrity and the unstoppable force of an informed people.
