Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud today said the people`s right to information will strengthen the foundation of the multi-dimensional democratic society that the government is building. The government has ensured the right to information, as well as everyone, has to be aware of the responsibility.
He said this at a discussion meeting organized by the Information Commission at the Film Archive auditorium in the capital`s Agargaon on Wednesday afternoon on the occasion of The International Right to Information Day on September 28.
In line with UNESCO, the theme of this year`s day was `Ensuring people`s right to information in the age of information technology. Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mokbul Hossain and Information Commissioner Dr. Abdul Malek addressed the meeting as special guests with Information Commissioner Suraiya Begum in the chair.
The information minister said prime minister Sheikh Hasina, after forming the government in 2009, took a path-breaking step to ensure the people`s right to information by enacting a law. The purpose of forming this commission is to benefit the people through the free flow of information.
Dr. Hasan said all countries have state secrets and the state cannot provide that secret information if it wants. People`s personal privacy is also protected by law in our country as in all countries. Many times it is seen that for such information, various tricks are resorted to or different methods are adopted, it is not appropriate in any way.
Referring to the theme of `Ensuring people`s right to information in the era of information technology, the information minister said, "Our government has also brought transparency in the governance of the state through e-governance." Before formulating any policy of the government, the draft is given on the website specifying the time for everyone`s opinion. If someone says without giving an opinion in time, the opinion has not been taken, it is also not desirable. All this transparency of the government deserves praise.
Dr. Hasan Mahmud said that people`s participation in the work of the country has increased through media development. At the same time, we have to remember that we have rights as well as responsibilities.
He said the US has been very critical of Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming national election. Although there was no direct comment on the matter, the country has given a message by banning the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and its seven officers. This time we will talk about labor rights.
In 2019, the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) started its journey to develop projects in the energy, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and technology sectors of developing countries. The US Congress approved the DFC to invest $60 billion in various countries. However, ensuring high standards of the country`s environment, human rights, and labor rights in financing a country is considered one of the conditions for receiving funds.
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