Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the lack of transparency in state decision-making and the continued ineffectiveness of the Information Commission. At a press conference organized by the Right to Information Forum in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi on Sunday, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said that even during the interim government, there was a lack of goodwill in ensuring the right to information, and many government decisions were made in secrecy.

He stated that despite the existence of the Right to Information Act, the commission had been rendered ineffective during the 16 years of the Awami League government, and the same situation persisted under the interim administration. He added that the failure to form the commission for one and a half years, despite legal obligations, was embarrassing and reflected a disregard for public trust.

The Right to Information Forum presented several demands to improve access to information, including forming a politically neutral commission, incorporating proposed amendments before presenting the ordinance to parliament, and ensuring public consultation before finalizing any legal changes.