International Right to Information Day 2026 was observed in Faridpur with calls for ensuring easy public access to information and strengthening efforts to prevent misinformation.
The event was held on Monday at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference room under the theme, “Ensuring Accurate Information in the Digital Age: The Role of the Right to Information in Preventing Misinformation.”
The district administration organised the discussion in collaboration with the Faridpur chapter of the Committee of Concerned Citizens (SANAK) and Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).
Deputy Commissioner Mazharul Islam chaired the discussion.
Additional District Magistrate Susmita Saha, SANAK President Professor Shipra Roy, Vice-President Panna Bala, Senior Information Officer Md Mozammel Haque, Additional Superintendent of Police (DSB) Md Raihan Gafur, TIB Area Coordinator Md Golam Mostofa, government officials and journalists attended the event.
Panna Bala said that although 17 years had passed since the Right to Information Act 2009 was enacted, its full implementation had yet to be ensured.
She called on government offices to become more responsible in providing people with necessary information easily.
SANAK President Professor Shipra Roy said collective efforts were needed to increase public awareness about the right to information.
She said easier access to information could help reduce corruption and strengthen transparency and accountability.
Additional Superintendent of Police Md Raihan Gafur urged people to remain cautious about misinformation and misleading content generated by artificial intelligence.
He advised people to verify information before sharing it.
In his concluding remarks, Deputy Commissioner Mazharul Islam urged everyone to become more aware of requesting and providing relevant information under the Right to Information Act.
“Policy should be as clear as light,” he said.
Representatives of government and private organisations, teachers, journalists, NGO workers, volunteers and people from various professions attended the discussion.
