Dhaka: International Right to Know Day will be observed in the country as elsewhere across the world on Wednesday, aiming to create public awareness on right to information as well as to inspire people to establish their right of access to information.

Information Commission will arrange various programmes under the supervision of Information Ministry with the slogan ‘Information ensures freedom and helps create golden Bangladesh marking the day.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages on the occasion.

In his message, the President said information is power and correct information is invaluable resource and access to authentic information easily and affordably is a civil and democratic right of every citizen.

Information always makes people aware and helps take appropriate decision, he said, adding that access to information is an inalienable part of the fundamental and constitutional right of freedom of thought, conscience and of speech.

Terming information a necessary component for empowering citizens, the Prime Minister said to establish democratic rights, good governance and to prevent corruption, the current government has give special significance to implement people’s right to information.

Hasina said her government has continuously been playing a pioneer role in empowering and advancing the country’s mass-media in the development process of the country.

To expand the scope for free flow of information, the government has given licences to 41 private television channels, 28 FM radios and 32 community radios besides Bangladesh Television, BTV World, Sangsad Television and Bangladesh Betar, she said.