'Right-to-know law a must for strengthening democracy'

But such law should be formulated on the basis of recommendations from different professional bodies, they said at a view exchange meeting in Chittagong.

Management and Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) and IPSA, a non-government organisation, in cooperation with Manusher Jonno Foundation organised the meeting to exchange views on working paper on 'Right to Information Law-2002' proposed by the Law Commission.

Barrister Tanjib-ul-Alam explained different aspects of the draft of the law at the meeting attended by human rights activists, journalists, lawyers, teachers and NGO activists.

The speakers said a proper mechanism should be put in place so that people can have easy access to information in public and private organisations.

To ensure the right to information, they said, the Official Secrets Act-1923 should be either repealed or properly reformed.

This law should act as a tool to help establish human rights and good governance, they added.

Fifty-six distinguished personalities from Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachhari, Cox's Bazar, Noakhali, Feni, Comilla and Chittagong were present at the meeting moderated by Sanjida Sobhan.

Fyaaz Uddin Ahmed of Manusher Jonno Foundation delivered the welcome address.