Bangladesh has moved up 16 positions in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, released Friday by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), ranking 149th among 180 countries and territories with a score of 33.71.

Bangladesh ranked 165th last year with a score of 27.64.

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuz Alam credited the improvement to the government’s non-interference in media operations. “There is no longer any government influence on public or private media, including Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television,” he said in a press release issued by the ministry.

The adviser stated that the current interim government is committed to strengthening independent journalism, adding that several media reforms based on recommendations from the Media Reform Commission will be implemented soon.

“Bangladesh’s 16-rank improvement is evidence that we are working to make our press free and resilient,” he noted. Mahfuz Alam expressed optimism that Bangladesh would further climb the index next year.

However, critics note that despite the recent progress, Bangladesh has still dropped 44 places in the index since the Awami League assumed power in 2009, when the country ranked 121st.