In the world of governance, one curious citizen can be a catalyst for profound change. Meet Mr. Bulbul, a concerned individual empowered by Bangladesh’s Right to Information Act (RTI). His story symbolizes the potential of an informed public for good governance. With an RTI Request Form, Mr. Bulbul sought answers regarding an annually maintained bridge in his community. His query was straightforward: What were the actual expenses for maintaining this bridge, and who received the contract for its renovation?

The information revealed recurring inflated maintenance costs and favouritism towards a company linked to local officials. This revelation triggered ripples in the local community and the media. The aftermath was transformative, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability. A government official resigned, and measures were taken to prevent the company from securing more government contracts. This tale of civic engagement underscores the profound impact of Bangladesh’s RTI Act . 

Mr. Bulbul’s journey was part of an initiative by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF Bangladesh) and Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC). In 2023, RTI training sessions brought diverse stakeholders in different districts together. The trainers were officials from the Information Commission of Bangladesh, a trusted partner of FNF Bangladesh.

FNF Bangladesh values the RTI Act of 2009 as a priceless tool for empowering citizens to access information about government expenditures. It fosters transparency and fiscal accountability, encouraging the government to uphold transparency and fiscal prudence. As Bangladesh advances towards accountable governance and an engaged public, FNF Bangladesh collaborates with partners like the Information Commission and BNNRC to support this development.

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