Health experts and rights activists made the observations at an online webinar, ‘Covid-19: Pandemic, People, Government and Right to Information,’ organized by ARTICLE 19 on Saturday on the occasion of International Day for Universal Access to Information [September 28], said a press release. The webinar was hosted by Faruq Faisel, regional director of ARTICLE 19 Bangladesh, and South Asia. Faruq Faisel presented the data on the violation of the right to information, obstruction of the flow of information, and lack of transparency. He said from March to June 2020, ARTICLE 19 recorded 1,929 cases of violation of freedom of expression and right to information in the country. Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research Advisor Dr Mushtaq Hossain said: “While officials in the health department and other government offices cannot share all information such as personal information, they can still share information regarding the disease and related scientific matters.

Source: Dhaka Tribune September 27, 2020 15:00 UTC