Transparency International, Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern over a recent health ministry directive baring publicizing information on hospitals without permission from authorities concerned.
In a statement released on Tuesday, TIB Executive Director Dr Ifftekharuzzaman said: "According to the directive, it has been made manditory to seek permission from authorities concerned to gather information or news for research, survey and any other purpose from all government healthcare institutions.
The move, at present, is unthinkable and will create an obstacle to the government's declared and legally established civil rights assurance to ensure the flow of free information."
The statement also expressed fears that the move will help conceal irregularities, corruption, misappropriation of government property.
TIB also demanded immediate withdrawal of the directive in the statement.
