Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Jan 27, 2026 (BSS)- An orientation session on the Right to 
Information (RTI) was held for students at Nowhata Government High School 
under Paba upazila of the district.

"Access to information is your right"-- a response from the stage came 
instantly against a raising question "Is it really possible to get 
information if we ask for it?" from a student at the session. 

The auditorium turned into silence while such a question was raised but the entire hall erupted in applause after hearing the answer.

The orientation session included such a lively and dramatic atmosphere-filled 
with quizzes, question-and-answer sessions, and real-life stories.
 
At the meeting, held this (Tuesday) morning on the school premises, speakers 
said that it is not possible to build an accountable and transparent system 
of governance without ensuring the right to access information. The human 
desire to know is eternal, they added.
 
As citizens, the right to seek and receive information is known as the Right 
to Information. Information means power, which plays an effective role in 
establishing good governance and combating corruption.
 
The United Nations and the Constitution of Bangladesh recognize the right to 
information as a fundamental right. Article 39(1) of the Constitution of 
Bangladesh also mentions this right.
 
The meeting was organised by the Bangladesh Country Office of The Carter 
Center with the aim of raising awareness among citizens about their right to 
information and ensuring the effective implementation of the RTI Act to 
prevent corruption. The event was held under the initiative of the combined 
office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
 
Several real-life examples of the successful application of the RTI Act were 
shared at the meeting.

In some cases, irregularities were prevented by obtaining information about 
development project expenditures; in others, experiences were shared on 
ensuring that genuine beneficiaries receive support under social safety net 
programmes.

These real stories sparked students' curiosity and clearly demonstrated that 
the right to information is not merely a theoretical concept, but one deeply 
connected to everyday life.
 
During the orientation, it was explained that the RTI is a fundamental 
democratic right of citizens, through which information held by the 
government and certain private institutions can be accessed.

Discussions highlighted the background, objectives, and significance of the 
RTI Act 2009. Students were also given a clear understanding of the 
definition of information, the appointment and responsibilities of designated 
officers, institutional obligations to provide information, procedures for 
submitting applications, the process of responding within stipulated time 
frames, and application fees. 

The quiz competition organised under the theme "Know the Law, Know Your 
Rights" made the session even more engaging, with active participation from 
students. 

Applause for correct answers and laughter at wrong ones turned the auditorium 
into an open learning space.
 
According to the organisers, such participatory events play an effective role 
in generating interest among young people in law and civic rights.
 
Students also shared their reflections at the meeting.

Rimti, a sixth-grade student of Nowhata Government High School, said, "Before 
today's event, the right to information was limited to textbook pages for us. 
Through real examples and quizzes, we have understood how seeking information 
can help stand against injustice and corruption. Now it feels like we can ask 
questions too."
 
Eighth-grade student Ifat said, "I didn't have much idea about the Right to 
Information Act before. Today I learned that even as ordinary citizens, we 
can request information from government offices. This knowledge has boosted 
our confidence and inspired us to become more conscious citizens in the 
future."
 
Fazlul Bari, deputy director of the ACC, addressed the event as the chief 
guest saying effective implementation of the Right to Information Act 2009 
increases transparency in both public and private institutions and reduces 
opportunities for corruption. 

"The right to information is not just a law; it is a powerful tool for 
citizen empowerment. If awareness of this right is created among students and 
young people, building an accountable and corruption-free society in the 
future will be much easier," he added.
 
In her welcome address, Shammi Laila Islam, country representative of The 
Carter Center, said that accurate information is power.
 
She noted that the law plays a vital role in ensuring the free flow of 
information, including women's right to access information. She also remarked 
that rights can only be properly exercised when people are aware of them.
 
ACC Assistant Director Tanvir Ahmed, Headmaster of the school Omar Ali, 
President of the Corruption Prevention Committee Akhtar Faruk also spoke.

The awareness and confidence visible on the students' faces at the end of the 
meeting offered a hopeful sign for building a responsible citizenry in the 
future.