The role of Civil Society and Media to implement the RTI

We every have to help apply the RTI act more effectively in the interest of transparency and accountability in public service deliveries.

For this purpose Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) can play key roles in monitoring the services delivered by public offices and building awareness of RTI act. Their  proactive role will prevent the abuse of power and public resources.

I feel that an effective linkage between Civil Society Organisations (CSO) and the media at local level can play a vital role in promoting the RTI act. Even such a law will help ensure political parties' accountability towards the people and transparency in their decision making and financial management, if they are brought under the purview of the law.

In this regard, we can point out the trend in developing countries where political parties turn into profit mongering business type institutions. Once the RTI Act is enacted, the people will have access to information upon political parties' decisions, balance sheets, committees, etc.

In fact, Right to Information (RTI) is a important tool of social accountability. It would be possible to rein in corruption and utilize development funds properly if access to information is ensured.

One important solution in creating awareness even in the rural areas is to employ a large number of the unemployed youth to sensitise people about protecting their rights.

I feel that should there be the beginnings of an implementation of these methods in Bangladesh, steps could be taken in a positive direction to make a system and culture in which there is a steady flow of information.