Supro Website

School/College Debates on RTI in 20 upazilas (sub-districts) SUPRO:

During the reporting period, Sushashoner Jonno Pracharavijan (SUPRO) and its network organisations have launched a major mass awareness campaign on the right to information (RTI) in 20 districts of the country, including the 12 most environmentally vulnerable coastal areas of Bangladesh. of Barguna, Barisal, Pirojour, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Comilla, Feni, Khulna, Bagerhat, Sathkhira, Jhinaidha, Rajshahi, Bagura, Kurigram, Sirajgonj, Dinajpur, Pabna, Mymensing and Netrokona. The campaign includes a series of local level activities such as debates on RTI issues by school and college students. Teachers, students, parents, local policy makers, local level public officials and local level campaigners participated in these programmes with a total of 3281 participants (male- 1608, female- 1673). With the participation of over three thousand students, the debating competitions generated huge interest amongst students, teachers, parents, and members of the school management committees on the right to information, its importance and links with good governance and access to public services. For instance, students in the Bhabaniganj High School in the district of Noakhali, Laxmipur sub-district debated the need for greater access to information on local level issues in the education department. These included the need for transparency on registration fees and on government scheme for the subsidised distribution of education materials. Young boys and girls participated in the competitions with great enthusiasm. One such female student said:

“This competition is an empowering expression for promoting free flow of information.” Another competitor commented that “freedom of expression was at the heart to our movement for independence”.

The competitions were held at local government office auditorium, premises of NGO offices, school and college’s auditoria and other available venue.These activities are the start of a year-long campaign promoting the right to information amongst the most vulnerable populations in Bangladesh. Raising massive public awareness on the right to seek, receive and impart information will increase demand for information which is the first precondition for the effective implementation of the Right to Information Law in Bangladesh.

RTI Sensitisation Seminars with local level public officials in 20 upazilas (SUPRO):

Sensitisation meetings with local level public officials were organised on RTI, as part of their campaigning activities in the 20 environmentally vulnerable coastal districts of Bangladesh with the support of their networking partners. Local level activists organised the meetings on local government and NGO auditoria and meeting rooms. A total of 659 participants (male-515, female-144) participated in the sessions. Campaign organisers and SUPRO networking partners were well prepared to undertake the sensitisation sessions through a day-long training programme organised by the Director of ARTICLE 19 Bangladesh, the training included briefings on right to information, principles and standards for RTI laws and simple methods for analysis of the RTI Act 2009 against these standards. So that campaigners were equipped to field queries and clarifications from public officials, a pre-designed leaflet was also distributed at the sensitisation sessions. Local level public officials such as the Assistant District Commissioner, Upazila Nirbahi Officer, and Upazila health and education officers participated in the sessions.  The sessions succeeded in creating a greater degree of awareness amongst local level public officials on the various aspects of RTI legislation and their obligations, as duty bearers.

Rickshaw Plate Campaign on RTI in 10 Upazilas (SUPRO):

The rickshaw plate campaigns have also been a significantly effective tool in disseminating information to the grass roots people on their right to seeking, receiving and sharing  information specially  information that would enable them to access better health and education services and those that would promote sustainable livelihood. As part of the mobilisation campaign SUPRO organised 10 Rickshaw parades in district towns displaying rickshaw plates with messages and slogans, such as, “Information is power” and “Free Information is the key to Development” and others promoting the new RTI law.  The 10 districts included Barguna, Barisal, Laxmipur, Comilla, Feni, Sathkhira, Jhinaidah, Bagura, Siraggonj and Pabna.  20-30 rickshaws paraded the towns with colourful plates, festoons, placards, banners. T-shirts and caps were provided to the Rickshaw pullers, musical groups accompanied the parade singing songs composed on RTI musical groups. Local level public officials were invited to inaugurate the parade along with representatives of city corporations, political leaders, members of civil society, activists, and campaigners with people from all walks of life joining in. A total of 1185 invited participants (male- 811, female- 374) have participated in the parades excluding many others who joined in as the parades progressed through the towns. The parades attracted huge attention on the day and in the local media and proved to be a very successful tool for raising public awareness among ordinary people from different walks of life on a fairly complex issue.

Mobilization 2009-Current 

According to the mobilization program of Article 19 for the project “Access to Information for greater participation and government accountability”, School/College Debates on RTI, RTI Sensitization Seminars with local level public officials and Rickshaw Plate Campaign accomplished during the period 2009 to current.

School/College Debates on RTI

To raise greater awareness and implement right to information law at grass roots level, debates competition played an important role in mobilizing the concerned stakeholders on implementation of right to information with a view to bring  measurable changes among the grass roots people in accessing required information from the duty bearers. During the reporting period, SUPRO has completed 6 School/College debates on RTI. Districts focal points, Campaign Organizers & Right to Information Animators (RIA) to arrange and implement the program. The debates competitions were very effective tools for grassroots mobilization and campaign activities of RTI where school and college students, teachers, local civil society actors, local public officials, journalists, local policy makers were present in those debates competitions to disseminate information regarding proper implementation of right to information.

Local level public official meeting on RTI

SUPRO has completed 10 local level public officials meeting on RTI during the reporting period. Districts focal points, Campaign Organizers & Right to Information Animators (RIA) to arrange and implement the program.

Rickshaw Plate Campaign on RTI

The rickshaw plate campaigns have been a significantly effective tool in disseminating information to the grass roots people so that they should get benefits in accessing and using information in terms of land, agriculture, health, environment and as well as for their sustainable livelihood. During the reporting period, SUPRO has organized Rickshaw plate campaign on RTI in 10 upazillas in 20 districts in considering the budget constraints with continuous help and support of Focal points, District committees, Campaign Organizers & Right to Information Animators (RIA) to implement the program.

Rickshaw Plate Campaign 2009-Current 

Rickshaw Plate Campaign on RTI

The rickshaw plate campaigns have been a significantly effective tool in disseminating information to the grass roots people so that they should get benefits in accessing and using information in terms of land, agriculture, health, environment and as well as for their sustainable livelihood. During the reporting period, SUPRO has organized Rickshaw plate campaign on RTI in 10 upazillas in 20 districts in considering the budget constraints with continuous help and support of Focal points, District committees, Campaign Organizers & Right to Information Animators (RIA) to implement the program by September 29 to October 15, 2009. The rickshaw plate campaigns took place in main roads of the concerned districts and Upazillas with colorful name plate, rally, festoons, placards, banners, T-shirts, caps, musical groups, and 20-30 rickshaws in each point. The local level public officials, representatives of city corporations, political Leaders, civil society actors, development workers, and people from all walks of life participated in these rickshaw plate campaigns.

Objective of Rickshaw plate campaigns:

To inform the RTI issues to the common people;

To disseminate the law off the state to the people;

What is right to information? This question and answers will be created among the people. 

Slogans used in Rickshaw plate campaigns: The focal points and partners of SUPRO have used the following slogans for rickshaw plate campaigns;

Free flow of information is the pre-condition of development;

Provide free information; build up poverty free country;

Free low of information reduces corruption;

Right information will benefit  the people;

Information is power, Information is prosperity;

We don’t have to fear, RTI law came to near;

In all service sectors, information will be accessed in day & night;

Information is power; information is freedom.

Date and districts of the Rickshaw plate campaigns: The detailed dates and districts list of Rickshaw plate campaign are as bellows:

Participants of the Rickshaw plate campaigns: Along with SUPRO’s focal points, civil society members, teachers and students of local educational institutes, representatives of local government, representative of law enforcement, local policy makers, local level public officials, parliament members, cultural activist, development workers, rickshaw pullers and people from all walks of life have participated in these rickshaw plate campaigns. A total of 1481 participants (male- 979, female- 479) have participated in the rickshaw plate campaigns in 10 districts.

Materials provided and used in the Rickshaw plate campaigns: The materials that have been used at programs this are rickshaw plates, t-shirt, caps, banners, musician groups, band party,  posters, leaflets, RTI Gazette, Proshnottore Thaytha Adhikar Ain, posters, leaflet etc.

Output of the Rickshaw plate campaigns:

A total of 1481 participants (male- 979, female- 479) have participated in the rickshaw plate campaigns program;

The news of the rickshaw plate campaigns have been published in 5 national and 32 local newspapers for greater dissemination of the RTI messages;

The news of the rickshaw plate campaigns have been broadcasted at 7 Private TV in several times. The respective TV channels are NTV, RTV, Islamic TV, Desh TV, Diginto TV and Channel I;

Grass roots people’s eagerness to know about information rights will be increased;

A strong linkage and relationship will be built between information recipients and information providers;

Citizen of charters will be hang on in all service provide institutions;

More information will increase people’s security and quality of life;

Responsibility of service providers and people’s will be increased;

The quality of service of duty bearers will be increased in terms of health, agriculture and environmental issues.

School College Debate 2009-Current 

School/College Debates on RTI

To raise greater awareness and implement right to information law at grass roots level, debates competition played an important role in mobilizing the concerned stakeholders on implementation of right to information with a view to bring  measurable changes among the grass roots people in accessing required information from the duty bearers. During the reporting period, SUPRO has completed 6 School/College debates on RTI. Districts focal points, Campaign Organizers & Right to Information Animators (RIA) to arrange and implement the program. The debates competitions were very effective tools for grassroots mobilization and campaign activities of RTI where school and college students, teachers, local civil society actors, local public officials, journalists, local policy makers were present in those debates competitions to disseminate information regarding proper implementation of right to information.

Topic of debate programs: The focal points have selected some of the following topics for debates competitions on RTI;

Access to information is not ensured by just formulation of RTI law, in this regard we need the change of mindset

Right to information can only bring changes in grass roots people’s life

Right to information can only combat corruption

Right to information can change the life style of farmers

Date and districts of Public official meeting: The detailed dates and districts list of School/College debates on RTI are as bellows:

Sl. No	District	Date and Venue		Participants
		Date	venue	Male	Female	Total
1	Dinajpur	October 07, 2009	Upazilla Sader	137	88	225
2	Comilla	October 11, 2009	Upazilla Sader	0	200	200
3	Sirajgonj	October 11, 2009	Dist. Sader	105	75	180
4	Bagerhat	October 10, 2009	Upazilla Sader	0	210	210
5	Patuakhali	October 13, 2009	Upazilla Sader	85	65	150
6	Borguna	October 31, 2009	Upazilla Sader	150	200	350

Participants of the debates competitions: Along with SUPRO’s focal points, lead partners, like as, teachers and students of local educational institutes, local policy makers, local level public officials, and civil society actors have participated in these programs. A total of 1315 participants (male- 477 female- 838) including debaters, teachers, local civil society actors and students have participated in the debates competitions.

Materials provided and used in the debates competitions:  In consistent with the objectives, to make effective and fruitful the sensitization meetings required materials were provided to the participants of these meetings such as, key note paper, writing pad and pen, certificate and award to debates competitors as well as judges, leaflets, RTI Gazette, posters and information related to information rights.

Output of the debates competitions:

A total of 1315 participants (male- 477 females- 838) have participated in the debates competitions;

The news of the debate competitions have been published at 9 36 local newspapers;

The farmers knowledge disseminated and food security  will be ensured;

The quality of life of farmers and framers rights/awareness  will be increased;

The concept on RTI among the grass roots people will be increased.

Public Officials Meeting 2009-Current 

Local level public official meeting on RTI

SUPRO has completed 10 local level public officials meeting on RTI during the reporting period. Districts focal points, Campaign Organizers & Right to Information Animators (RIA) to arrange and implement the program. As a part of grass roots activism and mobilization, SUPRO has conducted local level public officials meeting on RTI at 10 districts out of 20 districts by November 1st, 2009 with a view to achieve the following objectives;

The public officials along with local civil society actors will be sensitized on RTI

The public officials will be accountable in providing necessary information to the grass roots people

The development interventions in respective areas will be strengthened

The grass roots people will be benefited through accessing information related to land, agriculture, health and   environment that will be conducive to their sustainable livelihood.

Date and districts of Public official meeting: The detailed dates and districts list of Public official meeting on RTI are as bellows:

Sl. No	District	Date and Venue		Participants
		Date	venue	General	Govt. Official	Total
1	Kurigram	October 04, 2009	Parbotipur	17	06	23
2	Pabna	October 04, 2009	Dist. Sader	11	16	27
3	Dinajpur	October 06, 2009	Dist. Sader	14	16	30
4	Satkhira	October 12, 2009	Dist. Sader	12	13	25
5	Khulna	October 13, 2009	Dist. Sader	12	15	27
6	Pirojpur	October 14, 2009	Dist. Sader	17	11	28
7	Laxmipur	October 18, 2009	Dist. Sader	08	17	25
8	Feni	October 19, 2009	Dist. Sader	11	19	30
9	Rajshahi	November 19, 2009	Dist. Sader	11	16	27
10	Noakhali	November 12, 2009	Dist. Sader	12	12	24
				125	141	266

Participants of the sensitization meetings: Along with SUPRO’s focal points, lead partners, the local public officials like as, Upazilla Nirbahi Officer, Agriculture officer, AC land, THFPO, Livestock officer, TO/ATO, statistic officer, Policy makers, Local government representative like as, Mayor, councilor, Upazilla Chairman and vice chairman, UP chairman, journalist of print and electronic media, civil society actors have participated in these programs. A total of 266 participants (general: 125 and public official: 141) were presented in the meeting.

Materials provided and used in the sensitization meetings:  In consistent with the objectives, to make effective and fruitful the local level public official meeting required materials were provided to the participants of these meetings such as, key note paper, writing pad and pen,  leaflets, Proshnottore Thaytha Adhikar Ain, RTI Gazette, posters and information related to information rights.

Output of the public official meetings:

A total of 266 participants (general: 125 and public official: 141) were presented in the local level public officials meeting on RTI.

The news of the local level public officials meeting on RTI has been published in 6 notional newspapers and 21 local newspapers.

23-30 participants including local level public officials aware about right to information in each meeting. 

Public officials have been sensitized about their roles & Responsibilities;

Increased concept on RTI among the grass roots people linkage with service sector;

The voice raised of grass roots people on RTI. 

Mobilization 2008-2009 

According to the mobilization program of Article 19 for the project “Access to Information for greater participation and government accountability”, School/College Debates on RTI, RTI Sensitization Seminars with local level public officials and Rickshaw Plate Campaign accomplished during the period 2008 to 2009.

Local level public officials meeting on RTI

During the reporting period, SUPRO has completed Sensitization Seminar with local level public officials on RTI in 20 districts in 20 upazillas through its networking partners and focal points in concerned districts and Upazillas and with continuous help and support of District committee, Focal points, Campaign Organizers & Right to Information Animators (RIA) to implement the program. The Local level activists organized the meeting at Upazilla parishad auditorium, local NGO office, Focal Point’s seminar room & another places as available. In those programs, Assistant District Commissioner, Upazilla Nirbahi Officer, Policy makers, Local level public officials, and civil society actors have participated in these programs.

School/College Debates on RTI in 20 Districts in 20 Upazillas

To raise greater awareness and implement right to information law at grass roots level, debates competition played an important role in mobilizing the concerned stakeholders on implementation of right to information with a view to bring  measurable changes among the grass roots people in accessing required information from the duty bearers.

Rickshaw Plate Campaign on RTI

The rickshaw plate campaigns have also been a significantly effective tool in disseminating information to the grass roots people so that they should get benefits in accessing and using information in terms of land, agriculture, health, environment and as well as for their sustainable livelihood.

Rickshaw Plate Campaign 2008-2009 

Rickshaw Plate Campaign on RTI

The rickshaw plate campaigns have also been a significantly effective tool in disseminating information to the grass roots people so that they should get benefits in accessing and using information in terms of land, agriculture, health, environment and as well as for their sustainable livelihood. During the reporting period, SUPRO has organized Rickshaw plate campaign on RTI in 10 upazillas in 20 districts in considering the budget constraints with continuous help and support of Focal points, District committees, Campaign Organizers & Right to Information Animators (RIA) to implement the program by 31^st March 2009 as it has been planned.   The rickshaw plate campaigns took place in main roads of the concerned districts and Upazillas with colorful name plate, rally, festoons, placards, banners, T-shirts, caps, musical groups, and 20-30 rickshaws in each point. The local level public officials, representatives of city corporations, political Leaders, civil society actors, development workers, and people from all walks of life participated in these rickshaw plate campaigns.

Objective of Rickshaw plate campaigns:

To inform the RTI issues to the common people To disseminate the law off the state to the people What is right to information? This question and answers will be created among the people

Slogans used in Rickshaw plate campaigns: The focal points and partners of SUPRO have used the following slogans for rickshaw plate campaigns;

 Free flow of information is the pre-condition of development Provide free information; build up poverty free country Free low of information reduces corruption Right information will benefit the people Information is power, Information is prosperity We don’t have to fear, RTI law came to near In all service sectors, information will be accessed in day & night. Information is power; information is freedom

 

 

 

 

 

Date and venue of the Rickshaw plate campaigns: The detailed dates and venues, list of participants, media coverage’s  of completion School/College debates on RTI in 20 districts in 20 upazillas are stated as below;

Participants of the Rickshaw plate campaigns: Along with SUPRO’s focal points, lead partners, like as, teachers and students of local educational institutes, representatives of city corporations, local policy makers, local level public officials, and civil society actors, development workers, rickshaw pullers and people from all walk of life have participated in these rickshaw plate campaigns. A total of 1185 participants (male- 811, female- 374) have participated in the rickshaw plate campaigns in 10 upazillas in 20 districts.

Materials provided and used in the Rickshaw plate campaigns:  In consistent with the objectives, to make effective and fruitful the sensitization meetings required materials were provided to the participants of these meetings such as, key note paper, 20-30 rickshaw plates, t-shirt, caps, banners, musician groups, band party,  posters, leaflets, RTI Gazette, posters and information related to information rights.

 Output of the Rickshaw plate campaigns:

A total of 1185 participants (male- 811, female- 374) have participated in the rickshaw plate campaigns in 10 upazillas in 20 districts.

The news of the rickshaw plate campaigns have been published in 4 national and 27 local newspapers for greater dissemination of the RTI messages.

Grass roots people’s eagerness to know about information rights will be increased

A strong linkage and relationship will be built between information recipients and information providers

Citizen of charters will be hang on in all service provide institutions

More information will increase people’s security and quality of life

Responsibility of service providers and people’s will be increased

The quality of service of duty bearers will be increased in terms of health, agriculture and environmental issues 

School College Debate 2008-2009

School/College Debates on RTI in 20 Districts in 20 Upazillas

To raise greater awareness and implement right to information law at grass roots level, debates competition played an important role in mobilizing the concerned stakeholders on

implementation of right to information with a view to bring  measurable changes among the grass roots people in accessing required information from the duty bearers. During the reporting period, SUPRO has completed School/College debates on RTI in 20 districts in 20 upazillas through its networking partners and focal points in concerned districts and Upazillas and with continuous help and support of District committees, local educational institutions, Focal points, Campaign Organizers & Right to Information Animators (RIA) to implement the program by 31st March 2009 as it has been planned. The debates competitions were very effective tools for grass roots mobilization and campaign activities in RTI where school and college students, teachers, local civil society actors, local public officials, journalists, local policy makers were present in those debates competitions to disseminate information regarding  proper implementation of right to information. The debates competitions were held at Upazilla parishad auditorium, local NGO office, local school and college’s auditorium, Focal Point’s seminar room & another place as available.

The topic of the debate programs: The focal points have selected some of the following topics for debates competitions in 20 districts in 20 upazillas;

Access to information is not ensured by just formulation of RTI law, in this regard we need the change of mindset

Right to information can only bring changes in grass roots people’s life

Right to information can only combat corruption

Right to information can change the life style of farmers

Date and venue of the debates: The detailed dates and venues, list of participants, media coverage’s  of completion School/College debates on RTI in 20 districts in 20 upazillas are stated as below;

Participants of the debates competitions: Along with SUPRO’s focal points, lead partners, like as, teachers and students of local educational institutes, local policy makers, local level public officials, and civil society actors have participated in these programs. A total of 3281 participants (male- 1608, female- 1673) including debaters, teachers, local civil society actors and students have participated in the debates competitions.

Materials provided and used in the debates competitions:  In consistent with the objectives, to make effective and fruitful the sensitization meetings required materials were provided to the participants of these meetings such as, key note paper, writing pad and pen, certificate and award to debates competitors as well as judges, leaflets, RTI Gazette, posters and information related to information rights.

 Output of the debates competitions:

 A total of 3281 participants (male- 1608, female- 1673) have participated in the debates competitions.

The news of the debate competitions have been published in 5 national and 36 local newspapers.

The farmers knowledge disseminated and food security  will be ensured

The quality of life of farmers and framers rights/awareness  will be increased

The concept on RTI among the grass roots people will be increased.

 Strength and Recommendations:

All the programs have been organized in a shorter notice, but the support and cooperation from out partners was so excellent that they have successfully conducted those events.

The debates competitions were highly appreciated in every focal points and it is demanded that those types of activities could contribute to the mass awareness on RTI.

The active participation pf the public officials, college teachers and civil society members was praise worth which reflect that our partner has established a good linkage with local stakeholders.

The budget of the each event appears to be limited in terms of cost of essential prices, so it is recommended to increase the budget from the next phases.

In implementing any programs at grass roots level, the partners need at least two weeks time to get preparation for the task to be done in their areas.

The local schools and colleges have demanded more programs to enrich their skills and quality.

 Public Officials Meeting 2008-2009 

Local level public officials meeting on RTI 

During the reporting period, SUPRO has completed Sensitization Seminar with local level public officials on RTI in 20 districts in 20 upazillas through its networking partners and focal points in concerned districts and Upazillas and with continuous help and support of District committee, Focal points, Campaign Organizers & Right to Information Animators (RIA) to implement the program. The Local level activists organized the meeting at Upazilla parishad auditorium, local NGO office, Focal Point’s seminar room & another places as available. In those programs, Assistant District Commissioner, Upazilla Nirbahi Officer,

Policy makers, Local level public officials, and civil society actors have participated in these programs. As a part of grass roots activism and mobilization, SUPRO has conducted Sensitization Seminar with local level public officials on RTI in 20 districts in 20 upazillas by 31st march 2009 with a view to achieve the following objectives;

The public officials along with local civil society actors will be sensitized on RTI

The public officials will be accountable in providing necessary information to the grass roots people

The development interventions in respective areas will be strengthened

The grass roots people will be benefited through accessing information related to land, agriculture, health and   environment that will be conducive to their sustainable livelihood.

Date and venue of the program: The detailed dates and venues, list of participants, media coverage’s  of completion of Sensitization Seminar with local level public officials on RTI  are stated as below;