CY B E R L AW I N CR I M INAL AND C IVIL C ONT E X TS Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2009 and Rules (Receipt of Information), 2009; Rules (Data Protection and Management), 2010; Rules (Complaint and Disposal), 2011; Rules (Disclosure and Dissemination), 2011 S UMMARY Provides Bangladeshi citizens the right to demand and receive access to information from public bodies, including from the executive and legislative branch, as well as organizations that undertake a public function (including NGOs, international organizations, and other private bodies). AP PL ICAB IL IT Y TO RO H I NGYA This Act applies to all citizens of Bangladesh. Therefore, Rohingya in Bangladesh are arguably not covered by this Act. P ROTECTIO N N OT ES While this Act explicitly provides for the right to information for citizens, it does not foreclose the possibility of citizens signing applications on behalf of persons who cannot sign themselves, which includes illiterate persons and people without citizenship. Public-Interest Information Disclosure (Provide Protection) Act, 2011 and Rules, 2017 S UMMARY Provides protections for whistleblowers who disclose information relevant to the public interest to competent authorities. AP PL ICAB IL IT Y TO RO H I NGYA This Act applies to the whole of Bangladesh without reference to citizenship. Therefore, Rohingya in Bangladesh are arguably covered by this Act. P ROTECTIO N N OT ES Under this Act, any individual may disclose information to a competent authority on irregular/unauthorized use of public funds; mismanagement of public resources; misappropriation/misuse of public funds or resources; abuse of power/maladministration; commission of a criminal offence/illegal or prohibited actions; conduct that is harmful or dangerous to public health, safety, or to the environment; or corruption by any agency in Bangladesh (Section 4). Importantly, “agencies” are defined in Section 2.6 to include both governmental agencies/departments/ministries/organs as well as any NGO/non-governmental institution, including foreignfunded NGOs and non-governmental agencies performing governmental duties under governmental agreements. Competent authorities include the chiefs/chief executives of any agency or municipality, as well as the Register of the Supreme Court (for disclosures related to a member of the judiciary), the Anti-Corruption Commission, 57 BE YOND REFU GE: ADVANCING LEG AL PROTECTIONS FOR ROHINGYA C OMMUNITIES IN BANGL ADESH