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Right to Information law passed in Bangladesh

On September 20, Bangladesh's government approved a Right to Information (RTI) Ordinance, which aims to ensure the free flow of information in the country.

The law requires officials to provide information on a person's life and death, arrest and release from jail to an information-seeker within 24 hours. Anyone who fails to meet the law's provisions can be fined up to Tk 5,000 (US$73).

A three-member Information Commission will be formed for effective enforcement of the law. New posts will be created in most of the government offices and non-government organizations (NGOs).

The government said the new law will increase transparency and accountability, reduce corruption and establish good governance in government offices and NGOs, according to the Dhaka-based Daily Star.

For more information, go to http://www.bangladeshnews.com.bd/2008/09/21/rti-given-go-ahead/.

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