Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Mahfuj Alam announced that Bangladesh has advanced 16 places in the World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) over the past year, attributing this progress to the absence of government interference in the media.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mahfuj Alam highlighted the country’s improved position in the WPFI, as published on the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) website. The adviser emphasized the interim government’s efforts to ensure media freedom, stating that all media outlets, including Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television, now operate free from government influence. He assured that the government is not meddling in media operations through telephone directives.
The adviser mentioned that the government has undertaken several initiatives to liberate and bolster the country’s media landscape. He pointed to Bangladesh’s 16-place leap on the WPFI as evidence of the government’s commitment to supporting media freedom and development.
Mahfuj Alam further revealed that the government plans to implement several reform activities based on the Media Reform Commission’s recommendations. He expressed optimism that Bangladesh will continue to ascend in the WPFI rankings next year, ensuring the protection of journalists’ and media professionals’ rights.
This year, Bangladesh is ranked 149th out of 180 countries in the WPFI-2025, as reported by the Paris-based RSF on World Press Freedom Day, May 3. Last year, Bangladesh held the 165th position. Meanwhile, neighboring India is two places behind Bangladesh, securing the 151st spot in the index.
Reflecting on historical rankings, when the Awami League government assumed office in 2009, Bangladesh was ranked 121st. During the Awami League’s tenure, the country has dropped 44 places in the index over the past 15 years.