MD Yeasin Arafat

Information is an inalienable asset of any state. A nation equipped with timely, accurate, and accessible information is better positioned to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Access to information affects every aspect of governance, from individual efficiency to national advancement. It is a fundamental human right. Democracy, as Robert A. Dahl emphasises, requires competent citizens empowered by political and social institutions to function effectively. He notes, “Opportunities to gain an enlightened understanding of public matters is not just part of the definition of democracy. They are a requirement for democracy” (Dahl, 1998).
The Right to Information (RTI) is therefore a basis of democratic governance, particularly in nations confronting systemic corruption, structural inefficiencies, and public ignorance. Bangladesh’s Right to Information Act, 2009 empowers citizens to obtain information from public authorities, ensuring that transparency and accountability extend across government bodies, autonomous institutions, statutory organisations, and private entities receiving public or foreign funding. The intended outcome is reduced corruption and strengthened governance. Yet a critical question remains: do citizens truly understand their rights under the Act, and do they know how to exercise them effectively?
The Act establishes an independent Information Commission, headquartered in Dhaka, which may establish branch offices elsewhere in Bangladesh if necessary. It comprises a Chief Information Commissioner and at least two other commissioners (including at least one female), appointed by the President on the recommendation of a selection committee. The body must submit an annual report of its activities to the President by March 31 each year.
Under Section 4 of the Act, every citizen has the right to request information from public authorities, and these authorities are legally obliged to provide it. Citizens may inspect documents, obtain copies, and access information in various formats. They are entitled to assistance from authorities to ensure a fair and accessible process. Section 5 mandates authorities to catalogue, preserve, and digitise information, provide access via a national network, and adhere to guidelines issued by the Information Commission. Section 6 requires authorities to proactively disclose decisions, activities, and critical information, including annual reports and other relevant data.
Certain information is exempt under Section 7, particularly if disclosure threatens national security, foreign relations, third-party rights, ongoing investigations, commercial interests, personal privacy, or sensitive governmental matters. Any decision to withhold information must receive prior approval from the Information Commission. The Act does not apply to state security or intelligence agencies, except for information on corruption or human rights violations, which must be provided within 30 days with prior Commission approval; the government can update the list as needed.
Section 8 allows citizens to request information in writing, electronically, or via email, specifying their details, the information sought, and preferred access method. Authorities may levy a reasonable fee and must also publish a list of information available free of charge. Section 9 stipulates that authorities must provide the requested information within 20 working days, or 30 days if multiple units are involved. For urgent matters, preliminary information must be delivered within 24 hours. Reasonable costs must be communicated within five days, ensuring they reflect only the actual expense of producing the information.
Sections 24 and 25 allow citizens to appeal to the appellate authority or the Information Commission if requests are delayed, denied, or inadequately addressed. The Commission investigates complaints, issues binding directives, and may impose fines, recommend disciplinary action, or provide compensation. Section 27 allows the Commission to fine officers from 50 to 5,000 taka for obstructing information requests.
Recognising the global importance of access to information, UNESCO declared 28 September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) in 2015, and the UN General Assembly reaffirmed this observance in 2019. The 2025 IDUAI, hosted by UNESCO and the Philippine government in Manila from 29–30 September, marks the 10th anniversary of this global initiative. The theme, “Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age,” emphasises timely, comprehensive, and cross-border environmental data, spanning climate change, pollution, biodiversity, and disaster risks.
Despite a strong legal framework, Bangladesh faces significant challenges in implementing RTI effectively. Public awareness remains limited, bureaucratic inefficiency and resistance from officials slow the process, and corruption or political influence can obstruct impartial access. Information is often poorly digitised or maintained, while inadequate training for designated officers and insufficient resources hinder the Commission’s full functionality. In a highly politicised environment, ensuring the accuracy of information beyond manipulation remains a critical concern.
Without proactive and effective measures for environmental governance, today’s development may appear promising but casts a long, dark shadow over tomorrow. Citizens must have genuine access to environmental data to hold governments and themselves accountable. While GDP may grow, political actors often prioritise visible development for electoral gains, while the nation loses invaluable environmental capital due to insufficient environmental impact assessments and partisan agendas. Existing legislation, such as the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act 1995 and the Environment Conservation Rules 2023, only matters when effectively implemented and understood by citizens across all sectors.
Digital infrastructure in rural and remote areas remains inadequate, limiting online access. Environmental information—covering climate monitoring, pollution levels, and disaster risks—is often fragmented across agencies and rarely presented in accessible formats. Gaps in inter-agency coordination, inconsistent reporting, and a lack of open-data policies further hinder timely access. Public engagement is also limited by low digital literacy and insufficient awareness of the importance of environmental transparency.
Citizens need information without manipulation or disruption. Universal access empowers people, strengthens accountability, and fosters informed participation in governance. On the International Day for Universal Access to Information, governments, civil society, citizens, and other stakeholders must reaffirm their commitment to transparency, digital literacy, and inclusive information systems in a coordinated manner. In Bangladesh, fulfilling the RTI Act’s promise is not just a legal obligation—it is a step toward a more accountable, equitable, and resilient society. By addressing existing limitations and ensuring access to environmental information in the digital age, citizens can actively contribute to sustainable development and help build a stronger, more transparent democracy and a durable future.

The writer is a Final Year Undergraduate Student
Department of Political Science
University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh He can be reached at E-mail: s2211143179@ru.ac.bd