Bangladesh Climbs 16 Spots in Global Press Freedom Index in One Year: Mahfuj Alam

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Mahfuj Alam today stated that Bangladesh has climbed 16 positions in the World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) within a year, attributing the improvement to the absence of government interference in media operations.

He made the remarks in response to Bangladesh's latest ranking in the index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), according to a press release signed by Md Mamun Or Rashid, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Highlighting the interim government's efforts to ensure media independence, Mahfuj Alam noted that all media outlets—including state-run Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television—are now operating free from state influence. He emphasized that no government agency is exerting pressure on media houses through phone calls or other means.

The adviser mentioned that the government has already undertaken initiatives aimed at liberating and strengthening the country’s media, and the 16-rank improvement in the WPFI serves as evidence of that commitment. He also revealed that more reforms will be implemented soon based on the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission.

Expressing optimism, Mahfuj Alam said he hopes Bangladesh will improve further in next year’s index and that the rights of journalists and media professionals will continue to be protected.

Bangladesh is currently ranked 149th out of 180 countries in the WPFI 2025, released by the Paris-based RSF on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, May 3. Last year, the country held the 165th position.

By comparison, neighboring India ranked 151st in this year’s index.

Notably, when the Awami League assumed office in 2009, Bangladesh was ranked 121st. Since then, the country has dropped 44 places during the party's 15-year tenure in power.