The Right to Information Act was enacted almost two years ago, but campaigners say it has not been very effective
NEW DELHI (TrustLaw) - Bangladeshis must take advantage of a law that empowers the public to seek information from government to promote transparency and combat graft, the country's information minister was reported as saying in the Daily Star on Wednesday.
The Right to Information (RTI) Act - similar to the Freedom of Information Act in the United States - was enacted in Bangladesh almost two years ago.
But anti-graft campaigners in the South Asian nation say it has not been very effective due to low public awareness and a culture of secrecy within government departments.
"In the countries, especially in Europe, corruption is less because RTI is implemented there," Information Minister Adul Kalam Azad was quoted as saying in the newspaper.
Azad said many public offices in Bangladesh have not assigned specific staff to provide information, and lack equipment to carry out such responsibilities, adding that these problems will be addressed shortly.
RTI legislation has had a dramatic impact in neighbouring India where it was introduced over five years ago, helping people hold authorities to account and improving transparency.
Bangladeshi social activists hope to mimic India's example, where hundreds of people file applications every day - from wanting to know why water rates have increased to why their drains have not been cleared or their income tax refund not paid.
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