rib-bangladesh.org

 

CIRCULAR

Advancing Accountability and Transparency through the Right to Information

If interested, please send your proposal

Background

Research Initiatives, Bangladesh (RIB) is a Not-for-Profit Organisation founded in 2002 by some prominent educators, social scientists and human rights activists to promote knowledge on multi- dimensional aspect of poverty, human rights, gender perspective.

RIB's main objective is to support research aimed at identifying strategies and programmes that ensure sustainable, progressive alleviation of poverty in Bangladesh. RIB has been a front runner in championing the cause of the Right to Information (RTI), especially among hard-to-reach communities, through publications and capacity-building activities, and has worked since 2010 to empower disadvantaged groups through RTI across the country.

Organization's Goal

To promote knowledge that is relevant, useful, innovative, participatory and action-oriented especially among the most deprived, discriminated, marginalized, excluded and missing communities of Bangladesh.

Organization's Objectives

1. Supports marginalized and minority groups who are unable to access basic services due to social discrimination.
2. Conducts people's research (gonogobeshona) on issues that affect the excluded sections of society the most, in order to develop ownership and generate community mobilization.

As part of this continued effort, RIB is inviting applications for its Fellowship Programme on Right to Information, aimed at engaging fresh graduates and Master's students in producing rigorous, policy-relevant research and student action projects that advance transparency, accountability and good governance in Bangladesh.

Objectives of the Fellowship

• To promote research and awareness on the RTI law among young graduates and students.
• To build the capacity of fellows to undertake independent, high-quality research and a action-oriented work as student initiative.
• To make a meaningful contribution in shaping the positive mindset of youth towards governance issues.
• To create a culture of transparency, accountability and good governance in Bangladesh.

Fellowship Details

Scope of Work

• Each fellow will be assigned a specific research or student-action topic by RIB, aligned with its ongoing RTI-related work.
• Fellows will conduct research/fieldwork, analyse findings, and produce a final research paper or student action report on the assigned topic.
• The first month of the fellowship must be completed working from the RIB office; the remaining period may involve field visits, data collection and independent work, under the guidance of an assigned RIB mentor.
• Fellows are expected to actively participate in RTI advocacy activities organised by RIB during the fellowship period.
• Applicants must be fresh graduates or currently enrolled Master's students of a UGC-approved public or private university/institution in Bangladesh.
• Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in human rights, social justice, governance, or related fields.
• Preference will be given to applicants with prior engagement in community service, advocacy, or research activities.
• Applicants currently affiliated with an academic institution or workplace must obtain permission from that institution before joining.

Eligibility Criteria

Focus Areas for the Statement of Purpose (SOP)

In their Statement of Purpose, fellows are requested to focus on the following areas while proposing their work:

• Citizens' engagement and means of interaction with State actors through RTI.
• Why RTI is indispensable to ensure accountability and a good governance culture.
• Why government needs to be more proactive in promoting RTI.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates are requested to submit the following documents via email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it :

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Statement of Purpose (max. 500 words) outlining your interest in the fellowship and how it aligns with your academic and career goals.
3. Academic Transcript (scanned copy).

Important Dates

Contact

For any inquiries or clarifications, please contact:

Kazi MD Shahinul Islam

Mobile: +8801919290026

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it