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ARTICLE 19 and Information Commission train public officials to provide information

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - 28 September 2010 - ARTICLE 19 Bangladesh in collaboration with the Information Commission have conducted the first ever training for public officials responsible for providing information under the 2009 Right to Information Act.

Inaugurating the training as part of a week-long programme to celebrate Right to Know day, the Chief Information Commissioner, Muhammad Zamir, pointed out that, "Because of lack of financial and technical support public officials at every level are being deprived of the necessary training essential for enabling them to undertake their due responsibilities under the Act. I commend ARTICLE 19 for supporting the Commission in taking such an initiative."

The training focused on international principles and standards, obligations for disclosure, the role of the Information Commission, appeals and complaints processes, the use of exemptions and access to information issues relating to poverty, climate justice and corruption.

The participants acknowledged the urgent need for training to build their capacity. Commenting on its usefulness, public official Anwarul Islam Sikder said, "This kind of training will go a long way in educating officials on the specific provisions of the Act and in delivering their obligations under the Act."