RAJSHAHI, July 18: Successful implementation of the law of Right to Information (RTI) has become indispensable for empowering the people in general towards attaining the path of institutionalisation of democracy, speakers at a training workshop said here yesterday.

Terming the law as the key for uplifting the mass-people they said it would help transforming Bangladesh into a real democratic welfare state. They added that emphasis should be given on creating awareness among the grassroots people so that they can derive total benefits of the law.

Upon its proper implementation, the law will assist establish corruption-free good governance through ascertaining transparency and accountability everywhere in the society, they added.

They were addressing the daylong workshop titled "Application of RTI-2009" organised by Rajshahi district unit of Right to Information Movement Committee at Alipur under Durgapur upazila of the district.

In his address of welcome, Member Secretary of the committee Sarwar-E-Kamal narrated the aims and objectives of the workshop.

With President of the committee Mozammel Haque in the chair, Upazila Social Welfare Officer Asaduzzaman Sarder addressed the workshop as the chief guest while Executive Member of the committee Everest Hembrom, development activists Sohel Chowdhury, Taherul Islam and Mahbub Jaman Tapan spoke as special guests.

The speakers underscored the need for changing mindset for proper implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in the greater interest of ensuring transparency and accountability in the society.

They said political commitment side by side with government efforts is very vital to attain the cherished goal.

"Substantial and sustainable implementation of the act could be the effective means of ensuring good governance and institutionalisation of democracy", they said adding Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar have pivotal role to play in this regard.

The discussants viewed that the designated officials of the government and non-government organisations have vital roles to play. They said,

"Ensuring open and timely access to information will help stop corruption, improve governance and ensure accountability and transparency."

Proactive disclosure of information regarding all development works at the grassroots level can ensure proper utilisation of resources and check corruption, they mentioned. "We have no way but to full implementation of the act for establishing a corruption-free administration together with ensuring good governance and institutionalisation of democracy," said Sarwar-E- Kamal.

He said steps should be taken to enrich the common people with updated information and said collective efforts should be taken to attain the cherished goal.

Above 100 persons comprising public representatives, development activists, local elites, professionals were present at the training workshop aimed at sensitising the grassroots people about importance and benefits of the law.