Executive Summary & Quick Action Guide
Let me be direct with you: the Right to Information Act, 2009 (Act No. 20 of 2009) is one of the most powerful — and most underused — legal tools available to an ordinary Bangladeshi citizen. It exists precisely so that you do not have to beg, plead, or pay a bribe to find out how public money is being spent, why a project has stalled, or what a government office has decided about a matter affecting your life. Under Section 4 of this Act, every citizen has a statutory, enforceable right to demand information from any public authority, statutory body, NGO substantially funded by government money, or government-owned enterprise — and that authority is legally bound to answer you.
I have sat across the desk from countless clients who assumed that government files are permanently locked away from public eyes. They are not. What usually stands between a citizen and the truth is not the law — it is simply not knowing the correct form, the correct officer to approach, and the correct escalation ladder to climb when an official stalls. This guide gives you exactly that: the form, the officer, the deadline, the fee, and — critically — what to do the moment someone tries to stonewall you.
Quick Citizen Action: Need public information urgently? Do not write an informal letter — it has no legal teeth. Download Form-Ka (ফরম-ক) from
www.infocom.gov.bdor file digitally viartionline.gov.bd. Address it to the Designated Information Officer (DIO) of the relevant office. By law, you must receive an answer within 20 working days (or 24 hours if life or liberty is at stake). Silence or wrongful refusal triggers your right to appeal — first internally, then to the Information Commission under Section 24.
Statutory Rights & Constitutional Protection Framework
Your right to know is not a courtesy extended to you by a generous bureaucracy — it is embedded in the highest law of the land and reinforced by dedicated legislation.
- Constitutional Mandate (Article 39): The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and speech, and freedom of the press, under Article 39. Our superior courts have consistently held that this freedom of expression inherently carries within it the "right to know" — because a citizen cannot meaningfully speak, organize, or hold power accountable without first having access to accurate public information.
- Article 27 (Equality before law): Every citizen — regardless of class, connection, or influence — is entitled to identical treatment when requesting information. A DIO cannot lawfully prioritize a well-connected applicant over an ordinary farmer or garment worker.
- Article 31 (Right to protection of law): Every citizen has the right to be treated in accordance with law, and only in accordance with law, in respect of any action affecting their life, liberty, or property. Arbitrary, unexplained refusal of a lawful RTI request violates this guarantee.
- The Right to Information Act, 2009 (Act No. 20 of 2009): Assented to on 6 April 2009 and enforced from 1 July 2009, this Act is your primary statutory weapon.
- Section 4 (Right to information): Every citizen has the right to information, and every authority is bound, upon request, to provide it — subject only to the narrow exemptions in Section 7.
- Section 8 (Procedure for requesting information): Your application must be in writing (or electronic form), submitted in the prescribed format — Form-Ka — clearly identifying yourself and specifying the information sought.
- Section 9 (Disposal of application): Places a hard statutory deadline on the DIO — 20 working days ordinarily, 24 hours for matters concerning life and personal liberty, and up to 30 working days in exceptional circumstances involving multiple authorities or third-party interests.
- Section 24 (Appeal/Complaint to the Information Commission): Your right to escalate directly to the Chief Information Commissioner if the DIO defaults, supplies incomplete or false information, or if your internal appeal is wrongfully dismissed or ignored.
- Section 25 (Powers of the Commission): The Commission is vested with the powers of a civil court — it can summon witnesses, compel document production, inspect records, and issue binding orders.
- Section 27 (Internal Appeal): Requires you to first approach the designated Appellate Authority (the DIO's administrative superior) within 30 days of a rejection or deemed refusal, before escalating externally.
- Sections 32 & 33 (Offences and Penalties): Empower the Commission to fine a defaulting official BDT 50 per day of delay, up to a cumulative ceiling of BDT 5,000, and to formally recommend departmental disciplinary proceedings.
- The Right to Information Rules, 2009: The secondary legislation prescribing the exact format of Form-Ka, fee ceilings for photocopying and search time, and the procedural template for internal appeals.
- The RTI (Information Officers Designation and Determination of Appellate Authority) Regulations, 2009: Legally obliges every ministry, directorate, Deputy Commissioner's office, Upazila Parishad, and state-owned enterprise to publicly notify — on notice boards and websites — the name, room number, phone number, and email of their DIO and Appellate Authority. If an office has failed to display this notice, that failure itself is a violation you can cite in your complaint.
Step-by-Step Practical Procedure
Precision wins RTI applications; vagueness loses them. Follow this sequence exactly, and you close off every excuse an unwilling official might reach for.
Phase 1: Identify the Target Authority and the DIO
- Map the jurisdiction correctly. Ask yourself: which office actually holds this record? Road construction fund details sit with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) or the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) upazila office — not with the district administration generally. University admission records sit with that specific university's Registrar. Filing at the wrong office wastes your 20-day clock, because that office can lawfully respond that it does not hold the requested record.
- Locate the DIO. Every public office must display an "Information Board" — check the office's official website, its physical notice board, or call the office reception directly and ask, "আপনাদের দায়িত্বপ্রাপ্ত তথ্য কর্মকর্তা কে?" ("Who is your Designated Information Officer?"). If no DIO has been notified, address your application to the office head directly and note this omission in your file — it strengthens any later appeal.
Phase 2: Prepare and Submit Form-Ka (ফরম-ক)
- Download the official form from the Information Commission's website (
www.infocom.gov.bd) or file directly online viartionline.gov.bd. Do not use a private template — an improperly formatted request gives an unwilling officer a technical excuse to delay you. - Complete every field with precision:
- Name of the Authority: State the exact office (e.g., Civil Surgeon Office, Dhaka or Executive Engineer, BWDB, Sylhet).
- Name of the DIO: Include this if known — it signals you have done your homework and are not an easy target for delay tactics.
- Applicant Details: Your full legal name, parent's name, permanent and present address, phone number, and email.
- Description of Information Required: Be surgical. Do not write, "Give me all files on Project X." Instead write: "Certified copies of the approved expenditure bills, contractor Measurement Book (MB) entries, and the project completion certificate for the RCC drain construction executed in Ward No. 04 under the Upazila Parishad Fund, financial year 2022–2023." Specificity removes the officer's ability to claim your request is "vague."
- Format of Delivery: State clearly whether you want physical copies, collection in person, or a soft copy by email/USB.
- Date and Signature: Sign and date physically, even on printed digital submissions where a wet signature is required.
- Choose your submission channel:
- Online: Register on
rtionline.gov.bd, select the correct agency from the dropdown, attach any supporting documents, and submit. You will instantly receive a tracking ID and an SMS/email confirmation — keep both. - Physical counter: Print two copies. Submit one, and insist the receiving clerk stamps, signs, dates, and records an inward diary/serial number on your retained duplicate. If the clerk refuses to accept your application (a common first-line obstruction tactic), see the escalation guidance below.
- Registered post: Send via Registered Post with Acknowledgment Due (A/D) or a reputable courier, addressed by name and designation to the DIO. Retain the postal receipt and tracking number — this is your legal proof of the date of service.
Phase 3: Secure and Protect Your Acknowledgment Receipt
- This single piece of paper is the backbone of your entire legal case. The 20-working-day statutory clock begins strictly from the date the DIO receives your application — not the date you posted it, and not the date you personally believe is fair.
- Photograph your stamped duplicate immediately with your phone, showing the date clearly, and store both a physical and digital copy.
- At the counter, say this clearly and calmly: "Please stamp, sign, and date my duplicate copy with your office's inward register number. This is my statutory right under the Right to Information Rules, 2009." A clerk who refuses to do this is denying you legal proof — note their name, badge number if visible, and the exact time, and escalate immediately to the office head in writing.
Official Fee Schedule, Payment Challans & Delivery Timelines
Official Fee Schedule
| Item | Fee (BDT) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee — Online (rtionline.gov.bd) | Free | No charge for digital filing |
| Application Fee — Physical Submission | BDT 10–20 | Nominal administrative charge, agency-dependent |
| Photocopy / Printout (per A4/Legal page) | BDT 2–5 | Fixed under RTI Rules, 2009 — no arbitrary surcharge permitted |
| Soft Copy (CD/DVD/USB) | Actual media cost + BDT 50–200 compilation fee | Fee scales with volume of digital records |
| Inspection of Records — First Hour | Free | Statutory entitlement |
| Inspection — Subsequent Hours | BDT 20–50/hour | Nominal, must be justified in writing if charged |
Statutory Fee Exemptions for Indigent Citizens
Citizens certified as "Daridra" (economically disadvantaged) by the local Union Parishad Chairman, Municipal Mayor, or Ward Councilor are fully exempt from search, inspection, and copying fees for standard requests. Attach the original certificate to your Form-Ka to invoke this exemption — do not accept a verbal refusal of this right; cite the RTI Rules, 2009 directly.
Payment Channels
- Treasury Challan: For larger reproduction or search fees, deposit payment through a Treasury Challan into the relevant ministry/department's designated Non-Tax Revenue (NTR) head code at any Bangladesh Bank or Sonali Bank branch. Always retain the stamped challan copy.
- Mobile Financial Services (MFS): Online submissions through
rtionline.gov.bdintegrate bKash, Nagad, and Rocket payment gateways directly — retain the transaction confirmation SMS as proof of payment.
Statutory Delivery Timelines
| Scenario | Statutory Deadline | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Standard information request | 20 working days from receipt | Section 9(1) |
| Information affecting life, arrest, or personal liberty | 24 hours | Section 9(3) |
| Requests involving multiple authorities or third-party commercial confidence | Up to 30 working days (10-day extension, must be notified in writing before the initial deadline lapses) | Section 9(2) |
Counsel's Note: Public holidays and weekends do not count toward the "working days" calculation. Keep a manual calendar log the moment you file — this single habit has saved many of my clients from having a valid deemed-refusal claim wrongly disputed later.
Mandatory Document & Evidence Verification Checklist
Before you submit — or before you escalate — confirm your dossier contains every one of the following:
- Form-Ka (ফরম-ক): Fully completed, signed, dated, with a precise, specific description of the requested records.
- Proof of Submission:
- Online: Digital tracking number and SMS/email confirmation screenshot.
- Physical: Stamped, signed, dated duplicate with inward diary number.
- Postal: Registered Post A/D acknowledgment card and courier tracking receipt.
- Payment Receipts (where applicable): Original Treasury Challan, bank scroll copy, or MFS transaction ID.
- Indigent Certificate (if claiming fee waiver): Original certificate from the relevant local elected official.
- Rejection Notice or Silence Log: The original written rejection letter and envelope (if issued), or your dated calendar log proving the 20-working-day deadline lapsed without response.
- Correspondence Trail: Copies of every follow-up email, phone log, or letter sent to the DIO — these become critical evidence if the matter reaches the Information Commission or the High Court.
Common Traps, Bureaucratic Delays & Self-Defense Strategies
I have seen these four obstruction tactics repeated across ministries, districts, and municipal offices for over a decade. Recognizing them instantly strips them of their power.
Trap 1: The "Vague Application" Stonewall
The trap: The DIO returns your application claiming it is too broad or ambiguous, and demands internal file numbers or memo references that you, as an outside citizen, could never possess.
Your counter: Cite Section 8 directly. The law requires only a clear description of the information sought — not internal administrative reference numbers. Respond in writing, tightening your description slightly (exact dates, project names, fiscal year, ward number) while explicitly reasserting: "I am not required under Section 8 of the RTI Act, 2009 to furnish internal file numbers. Kindly process my application as submitted."
Trap 2: The "Silent Treatment"
The trap: Twenty working days pass. No letter, no call, no acknowledgment — the office is betting that you will simply give up and walk away.
Your counter: The law is on your side here more clearly than anywhere else. Silence past the deadline is a "Deemed Refusal" under the Act's scheme — it is legally treated exactly as if the DIO had issued a written rejection. Count your working days meticulously, and on day 21, file your internal appeal to the Appellate Authority under Section 27. Do not wait longer out of politeness — the clock for your own appeal is also running.
Trap 3: Unlawful Demand for Exorbitant Fees or Bribes
The trap: An officer informally demands an inflated cash sum — say, BDT 2,000 to photocopy ten pages that should cost BDT 30–50 — or hints that "speed money" will make your file move faster.
Your counter: Never pay informally, and never pay in cash without an official receipt. Say clearly: "Please give me a written, itemized fee calculation as prescribed under the Right to Information Rules, 2009." This single sentence, spoken calmly and firmly, ends most bribe attempts on the spot because it puts the demand on the record. If the demand persists, file a written complaint with the head of the department, call the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) hotline (106), and simultaneously notify the Information Commission in writing.
Trap 4: Improper Invocation of Section 7 Exemptions
The trap: The DIO rejects your request citing "Section 7 exemption" as a blanket excuse, even for routine matters like tender awards, completed project bills, or standard administrative expenditure.
Your counter: Read Section 7 carefully — it exempts only narrowly defined categories: matters of state security, sub judice criminal investigations, Cabinet deliberations prior to decision, and genuine personal privacy or commercial confidentiality. Crucially, Section 7(4) provides that information relating to corruption, human rights violations, or completed investigations older than 25 years cannot be withheld under any exemption. In your internal appeal, state explicitly: "The DIO's reliance on Section 7 is misplaced, as the requested information falls squarely within the disclosure mandate of Section 7(4)."
Remedies Against Harassment, Refusal & Regulatory Failure
If an official stonewalls, delays, intimidates, or outright refuses your lawful request, the law gives you a clear, progressive escalation ladder. Climb it methodically — do not skip steps, as each level builds the documentary record you will need if you are eventually forced to the High Court.
[Step 1: File Form-Ka to the DIO]
│
▼ (20 Working Days Expire / Written Rejection Issued)
[Step 2: Internal Appeal to Appellate Authority — Section 27]
│
▼ (15–30 Days Expire / Appeal Ignored or Rejected)
[Step 3: Formal Complaint to the Information Commission — Section 24]
│
▼ (Commission Hearing → Binding Order + Penalty under Sections 32/33)
[Step 4: Constitutional Writ of Mandamus — High Court Division, Article 102]
Step 1: Internal Administrative Appeal (Section 27)
- Deadline to file: Within 30 days of receiving a rejection, or immediately upon expiry of the 20-working-day statutory silence period.
- Filing address: The Appellate Authority — typically the DIO's direct administrative superior (a Director General, Joint Secretary, or Deputy Commissioner, depending on the office).
- What to include: Your original application date and tracking/diary number, a factual account of the DIO's default or wrongful rejection, and a clear prayer requesting an order compelling immediate disclosure.
- Statutory timeline for disposal: 15 days, extendable to 30 days only with recorded, written reasons communicated to you.
Practical script for your cover letter: "I submitted Form-Ka to [DIO name/office] on [date], receipt acknowledged vide inward diary no. [number]. As of the date of this appeal, [no response has been received / the request was rejected without valid statutory grounds]. I respectfully request that you, as Appellate Authority under Section 27 of the Right to Information Act, 2009, direct immediate disclosure of the requested information."
Step 2: Information Commission Complaint (Section 24)
- Deadline to file: Within 30 days of an unfavorable Appellate Authority decision, or upon expiry of the appellate disposal deadline without resolution.
- Where to file: The Information Commission Bangladesh, Agargaon, Dhaka, or through their official channels at
www.infocom.gov.bd. - Commission's powers (Section 25): Functioning with the authority of a civil court, the Commission can summon the DIO in person, demand production of the withheld files, take sworn testimony, and issue binding directives for disclosure.
- Penalties available (Sections 32 & 33): Where the Commission finds unjustified refusal, malicious delay, or knowingly false information supplied, it may impose a fine of BDT 50 per day of delay, capped at BDT 5,000, and formally recommend departmental disciplinary or suspension proceedings against the responsible official.
Step 3: Constitutional Writ Petition (Article 102)
If a public authority defies even a binding Information Commission order — which does happen in cases of entrenched institutional resistance — a citizen may, through an advocate, file a Writ of Mandamus (a High Court order compelling a public authority to perform a legal duty it has unlawfully failed to perform) under Article 102 of the Constitution in the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. This is a serious step reserved for cases of persistent, documented non-compliance — but it exists, and courts have entertained such petitions where administrative remedies have plainly failed.
Emergency & Administrative Helplines
| Helpline | Number | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| National Emergency Service | 999 | Physical threats, intimidation, or unlawful detention while pursuing your RTI rights at a government office |
| National Citizen Helpline | 333 | General guidance on government procedures and lodging complaints with the district administration |
| Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Hotline | 106 | Reporting bribe demands linked to release of tender documents, project records, or any public information |
| Information Commission | Via www.infocom.gov.bd |
Formal Section 24 complaints and appeals |
◆ Related Statutory Guides & Practice Insights
<li style="margin-bottom:12px; line-height:1.5;">
<a href="/en/registered-office-requirements-bangladesh-rjsc-filing/" style="color:#C5A059; font-weight:600; text-decoration:none; font-size:14px; display:inline-block; transition:color 0.2s;">• Registered Office Requirements Bangladesh: RJSC Compliance Guide</a>
</li>
<li style="margin-bottom:12px; line-height:1.5;">
<a href="/en/foreign-equity-company-registration-bida-oss-bangladesh/" style="color:#C5A059; font-weight:600; text-decoration:none; font-size:14px; display:inline-block; transition:color 0.2s;">• 100% Foreign Equity Company Setup & BIDA OSS Guide Bangladesh</a>
</li>
<li style="margin-bottom:12px; line-height:1.5;">
<a href="/en/corporate-restructuring-section-228-schemes-high-court-bangladesh/" style="color:#C5A059; font-weight:600; text-decoration:none; font-size:14px; display:inline-block; transition:color 0.2s;">• Mergers & Acquisitions in Bangladesh: BSEC Approval, High Court Section 228 Schemes & Due Diligence</a>
</li>
<li style="margin-bottom:12px; line-height:1.5;">
<a href="/en/100-foreign-equity-company-registration-bangladesh/" style="color:#C5A059; font-weight:600; text-decoration:none; font-size:14px; display:inline-block; transition:color 0.2s;">• 100% Foreign Equity Company Registration in Bangladesh</a>
</li>Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to explain why I want the information when I file Form-Ka?
No. Under Section 8(2) of the RTI Act, 2009, you are under no obligation to justify, explain, or defend your reason for requesting information. You must only supply your identity, contact details, and a precise description of the records sought. If an official demands to know "why," you may politely but firmly decline and cite Section 8(2) directly.
2. Can a government office charge me high or arbitrary photocopying fees?
No. Copying and search fees are strictly capped by the Right to Information Rules, 2009 — ordinarily BDT 2 to BDT 5 per page. Any officer demanding an inflated, informal, or unreceipted cash payment is acting outside the law. Insist on a written, itemized fee breakdown, and treat any refusal to provide one as grounds for a written complaint.
3. What happens if the DIO simply ignores my application?
Once 20 working days pass without any written response, the law treats this as a "Deemed Refusal." You do not need to wait indefinitely or resubmit — the silence itself gives you standing to file an internal appeal with the Appellate Authority within 30 days of the deadline's expiry.
4. Can I request information about an ongoing government tender or procurement process?
Completed tender evaluations, approved bills, and contract award notices are generally public and disclosable. However, under Section 7, information from a tender process that is still actively under evaluation — where bids remain sealed and commercial confidentiality genuinely applies — may be temporarily exempt until the process concludes. Once finalized, that exemption lapses and the records become disclosable.
5. What categories of information are genuinely exempt from disclosure?
Under Section 7, an authority may lawfully withhold information that would prejudice Bangladesh's sovereignty, integrity, security, or defense; that would compromise an active criminal investigation or sub judice court proceeding; that breaches genuine personal privacy or commercial confidence (unless overriding public interest applies); or that constitutes confidential Cabinet deliberations prior to a final decision. Critically, Section 7(4) carves out an exception to all exemptions: information concerning corruption, human rights violations, or investigations completed more than 25 years ago must be disclosed regardless of any other claimed exemption.
6. Can journalists, researchers, or foreign nationals file RTI applications in Bangladesh?
The statutory right under Section 4 belongs to citizens of Bangladesh. Journalists, academics, and independent researchers who are Bangladeshi citizens use this Act extens
| Stages / Document / Service | Statutory Authority / Provision | Official Fee (BDT) & Payment Mode | Processing Timeline & Statutory Deadline | Responsible Authority & Escalation Forum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Information Request | RTI Act, 2009 - Section 8(1) [Form 'Ka'] | BDT 10 (Standard); Free for marginalized citizens | 20 Working Days (Extended to 30 days for third party/life-related matters) | Designated Officer (DO) of the respective Public Authority |
| First Appeal | RTI Act, 2009 - Section 24(1) | No statutory fee prescribed | 30 Days from DO's refusal or expiry of deadline | Chief Administrative Officer / Appellate Authority of the Authority |
| Second Appeal (Complaint) | RTI Act, 2009 - Section 25 | No formal fee required | Within 30 Days of Appellate Authority's decision or lapse | Information Commission Bangladesh |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Form 'Ka' under the Right to Information Act, 2009 in Bangladesh?
Form 'Ka' (Form A) is the prescribed official application format mandated under Section 8(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2009. Citizens must use this specific format to request information from any public authority, statutory body, or government-funded organization in Bangladesh. The form requires clear identification of the applicant, a precise description of the information sought, and the preferred mode of receiving the records.
What is the official application fee for filing an RTI request in Bangladesh?
The standard application fee for filing an information request using Form 'Ka' is BDT 10 (Ten Taka), payable through court fees, treasury challans, or cash receipts as prescribed by the respective public authority. However, under statutory rules, individuals belonging to economically marginalized groups or extreme poverty brackets are officially exempt from paying this fee upon verification.
What is the statutory deadline for a Designated Officer to provide information?
According to Section 9 of the RTI Act, 2009, the Designated Officer (DO) must provide the requested information within 20 working days from the date of receiving the application. If the information involves multiple departments or concerns the life and liberty of a person, an extended deadline of up to 30 working days may apply, provided the applicant is notified in writing.
What steps should I take if the Designated Officer fails to respond within 20 days?
If the Designated Officer fails to provide the information within the statutory 20-day timeframe or refuses the request unjustifiably, you have the legal right to file a First Appeal. This appeal must be submitted within 30 days of the refusal or deadline expiry to the designated Appellate Authority of that specific public authority.
How do I approach the Information Commission of Bangladesh for a Second Appeal?
If the Appellate Authority does not resolve your grievance or fails to give a decision within 30 days of filing the First Appeal, you can escalate the matter by filing a Second Appeal (Complaint) directly with the Information Commission Bangladesh under Section 25 of the Act. The Commission has quasi-judicial powers to summon records, penalize non-compliant officials, and order the release of information.
Are there any types of information exempt from disclosure under the RTI Act?
Yes, Section 7 of the RTI Act, 2009 outlines specific exemptions where public authorities can withhold information. These include matters relating to Bangladesh's sovereign security, intelligence reports, ongoing judicial proceedings, trade secrets that could harm competitive commercial interests, and personal privacy data that has no connection to public interest or activity.