Access & Information Coordinator & Press Secretary

In Bangladesh, the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2009 was enacted to empower citizens by ensuring transparency and accountability in public, autonomous, statutory bodies, and government-aided or foreign-funded private organizations. Passed on March 29, 2009, the Act obligates authorities to maintain and provide information upon request, ensuring access within 20 working days—or within 24 hours in urgent cases involving life, death, or arrest. It also mandates proactive disclosure of public information in accessible formats. Rooted in the constitutional pledge of the state, the RTI Act is considered a progressive legal reform shaped by civil society, media, academia, and legal experts. The law is supported by the Disclosure of Public Interest Information (Protection) Act, 2011, which safeguards whistleblowers exposing corruption, misuse of public funds, or abuse of power. Citizens may request information in writing, electronically, or via email, and authorities must respond within the prescribed timeframe or provide a written explanation for refusal.