The Right to Information (RTI) Forum has called for prioritising competence, experience, impartiality and integrity in the appointment of the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners, stressing that candidates should be free from partisan political and bureaucratic influence.

In a letter to Justice Farah Mahbub of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, who chairs the recently reconstituted five-member Selection Committee, the forum urged the committee to recommend candidates capable of ensuring an independent and effective Information Commission.

The call came after the Selection Committee, formed under Section 14(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2009, invited applications for the posts of Chief Information Commissioner and two Information Commissioners. The forum welcomed the initiative, saying it creates an opportunity to meet the long-standing public demand for a stronger and more independent commission.

The RTI Forum said effective implementation of the Right to Information Act requires a citizen-focused commission led by individuals with professional competence, objectivity and commitment to public interest. It urged the committee to evaluate candidates based on their ability to perform statutory responsibilities independently and uphold citizens’ right to information.

The forum described the RTI Act as a vital tool for promoting transparency, accountability, public participation and the protection of fundamental rights. It noted that the law has not reached its full potential due to previous appointments influenced by political and bureaucratic interests, and expressed hope that the current selection process would help change that practice.

The statement was issued by RTI Forum Convener Shaheen Anam on behalf of its Core Group members, including representatives from civil society organisations such as SHUJAN, Transparency International Bangladesh, COAST Trust, Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies, BNNRC, Nagorik Uddyog, iSocial, BLAST, Rupantar, MRDI, Research Initiatives Bangladesh and the Bureau of Economic Research at the University of Dhaka.