Speakers Demand Independent and Impartial Information Commission

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Speakers at a Dhaka conference raised alarm over the inactivity of Bangladesh’s Information Commission, which has failed to function for over two years past its legal deadline, leading to a backlog of more than 850 unresolved appeals. They stressed that forming an independent and impartial commission is crucial to uphold transparency and called on the government to ensure appointments are free from political bias to restore public trust.

Speakers at a conference held in Dhaka on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the continued absence of an operational Information Commission in Bangladesh, more than two years after the statutory deadline for its formation. The issue was highlighted during the “Right to Information Conference,” organized by the Right to Information (RTI) Forum at The Daily Star Centre to mark International Right to Information Day.

The Information Commission, mandated under the RTI Act 2009 to oversee complaints and appeals related to information disclosure, has been inactive since August 2024. Mohammad Shah Alam, Secretary of the Information Commission, reported that over 850 appeals have accumulated due to the commission’s non-functionality. He noted that a five-member selection committee, established on July 9, is expected to appoint new commissioners shortly.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), criticized both the interim and current governments for their failure to constitute the commission as required by law. He described Bangladesh’s delay in setting up the commission as an unprecedented record globally. While acknowledging the upcoming appointments, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman raised doubts about the commission’s independence and impartiality. He warned against filling the commission with partisan figures or retired government officials who have historically resisted information disclosure, cautioning that such appointments would undermine the commission’s credibility.

Shaheen Anam, Executive Director of the Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), echoed calls for a transparent and autonomous appointment process. She emphasized that the RTI Act emerged in 2009 from sustained efforts by civil society and journalists aimed at dismantling a longstanding culture of secrecy within government institutions. Anam highlighted the persistence of a “fear factor” among officials, with many reluctant to provide written responses to information requests due to concerns over displeasing superiors, limiting access to official information despite verbal assurances.

The conference underscored the urgency of establishing an independent Information Commission to uphold the right to information and strengthen transparency and accountability in Bangladesh’s governance. Organizers and participants urged the government to ensure that appointments to the commission reflect non-partisan standards and thereby restore public confidence in the institution’s role.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.