International Journal of Social Science & Economic Research
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Title:
CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT IN DRIVING SUCCESS OF FREEDOM OF INFORMATION LAWS: WHY IT MATTERS? A BANGLADESH PERSPECTIVE

Authors:
Harold Sougato Baroi

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Harold Sougato Baroi
associate professor at the department of Public Administration in the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh.

MLA 8
Baroi, Harold Sougato. "CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT IN DRIVING SUCCESS OF FREEDOM OF INFORMATION LAWS: WHY IT MATTERS? A BANGLADESH PERSPECTIVE." Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, vol. 8, no. 7, July 2023, pp. 1661-1684, doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2023.v08i07.002. Accessed July 2023.
APA 6
Baroi, H. (2023, July). CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT IN DRIVING SUCCESS OF FREEDOM OF INFORMATION LAWS: WHY IT MATTERS? A BANGLADESH PERSPECTIVE. Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, 8(7), 1661-1684. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2023.v08i07.002
Chicago
Baroi, Harold Sougato. "CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT IN DRIVING SUCCESS OF FREEDOM OF INFORMATION LAWS: WHY IT MATTERS? A BANGLADESH PERSPECTIVE." Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research 8, no. 7 (July 2023), 1661-1684. Accessed July, 2023. https://doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2023.v08i07.002.

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ABSTRACT:
This article addresses the topic of the "right to access information" and the implementation of Freedom of Information (FOI) laws. While the adoption of legislation on access to information has been widespread, there is a lack of conclusive research on the factors contributing to the success of FOI laws. The paper emphasizes that policies alone cannot guarantee success and examines various collective factors that influence implementation, such as policy objectives, resources, capacity of implementers, administrative culture, and inter-organizational coordination. It specifically focuses on the context of Bangladesh, where poor implementation is often attributed to factors like limited capacity, administrative culture characterized by poor governance, and lack of coordination. The paper highlights the importance of citizen engagement in effectively utilizing FOI laws, driving awareness, advocating for services, ensuring compliance, and holding public bodies accountable. The role of citizen involvement in the success of FOI laws in Bangladesh is emphasized throughout the paper.

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