‘Access to Information in Times of Crisis’
Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, UNESCO has announced “Access to Information in Times of Crisis” as the theme of the 2020 edition of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), celebrated every year on 28 September.
Commemorated around the slogan “Access to Information – Saving lives, Building Trust, Bringing Hope!”, the event will contribute to the exchange of good practices and guidelines on the right to access information. It will highlight the key role of access to information in saving lives and mitigating the impact of crises such as the current pandemic as well as in shaping sustainable policies.
In many countries, people have learned that access to accurate and timely information can be a matter of life and death. Access to information also makes it possible for the citizen to follow responses to the crisis such as confinement rules, regulations of travel and schooling, virus testing, medical equipment supplies, and economic aid or stimulus packages.
Information Commission is going to be celebrated across the country International Day for Universal Access to Information-2020 with CSOs, NGOs, and other Stakeholders. To celebrate the day with due importance and realize its significance, the Information Commission customized the theme from the perspective of Bangladesh, “Sathik Somoy Tothya Pele, Janagoner Mukti Mele” (Global Theme is Access to Information in Times of Crisis, Access to Information – Saving lives, Building Trust, Bringing Hope).
A virtual meeting with community radios was held on 27th September 2020. The importance of celebrating the day was discussed at the meeting. Mr. Mark Manash Saha and Mr. Seraj Uddin of BNNRC took part in the discussion. At the meeting, everyone spoke about the programs undertaken by the radio stations on the occasion of the International Day for Universal Access to Information-2020 on 28 September. The program was moderated by Mr. Hiren Pandit. To observe the day BNNRC joined two coordination meetings of the NGO Affairs Bureau and Information Commission respectively. The Community Radio Stations have been undertaken various programs to mark the such as discussion meetings, offline and online, Magazine programs, PSA, and Broadcasting news of different programs organized by the local administration in their respective areas.