The government yesterday appointed Nepal Chandra Sarker, former secretary of Information Commission, and Khurshida Begum, a professor of government and politics department of Jahangirnagar University, as information commissioners.

President Abdul Hamid appointed the two under section 15(1) of the Right to Information Act 2009, reports BSS.

The government will fix their rank and status, honoraria, allowances and other facilities, it added.

The posts have been lying vacant since June 30.

Meanwhile, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) expressed satisfaction over the appointment.

In a statement, Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of anti-graft watchdog TIB, said the appointment will help expedite the information commission's activities.

He said the delay in appointing the commissioners was not expected as it hinders the commission in expediting its activities.

TIB urged the government to observe September 28 as "International Right to Know Day" nationally.

It observed that the government's enthusiasm in implementing the Right to Information will be reflected if the government recognises the day.