In order to guarantee the free flow of information and improve accountability and transparency in both public and private offices, the interim administration has issued an ordinance modifying the Right to Information Act, 2009.
In this regard, a gazette notice was published on Monday by the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs’ Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.
The Right to Information (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, has taken effect immediately, according to Ministry Public Relations Officer Dr. Rezaul Karim, who confirmed the information.
The ordinance was promulgated by the President in exercise of the powers conferred under Article 93(1) of the Constitution.
Under the amended ordinance, the definition of ‘information’ has been expanded.
Memoranda, maps, contracts, audio-visual materials, and any other anything created or saved on computers or electronic devices pertaining to the establishment, organization, and official operations of an authority are now included.
Official note sheets or reproductions of them, however, are not included in the information’s purview.
In terms of proactive disclosure, the ordinance requires all authorities to make all information about their decisions, audit reports, expenditures, and completed or planned operations publicly available.
In cases of major policies or decisions, authorities will be required to verify public opinion and provide explanations of the proceedings. All such reports must be published on the respective authority’s website.
The ordinance has also enhanced penalties for violations of the Right to Information. Through an amendment to Section 27 of the Act, the daily fine for negligence or failure to provide information has been increased from Tk 50 to Tk 100, while the maximum fine has been raised from Tk 5,000 to Tk 10,000.
Under the new ordinance, the Information Commission will establish a central ‘Information Treasury (Tathya Bhaban)’ through regulations to facilitate quicker and more detailed access to information for citizens.
