On Friday (May 2), the international non-profit Reporters Without Borders (RSF) released the 2025 index. Bangladesh scored 33.71 out of 100, placing it 149th among 180 countries. In 2024, Bangladesh ranked 165th; in 2023, it was 163rd. This is the first time since 2018 that Bangladesh has broken into the top 150.
South Asia in Perspective
In South Asia, Bangladesh has surpassed India, Pakistan, and Bhutan. However, Nepal (90th), Sri Lanka (139th), and the Maldives (104th) remain far ahead. Norway retains the top spot for the ninth consecutive year, followed by Estonia and the Netherlands.
The RSF report warns that journalism is facing a crisis globally—half of all countries now have a “bad” media environment, and less than a quarter are classified as “satisfactory.” The U.S. has slipped to 57th place, falling below war-torn Sierra Leone. RSF blames Donald Trump's second presidential term for the sharp deterioration in U.S. press freedom.
What Bangladeshi Journalists Are Saying
Despite the improved ranking, journalists across Bangladesh say the index fails to capture the reality on the ground. Since August 5, they argue, media professionals have faced unprecedented repression.
Since August 5, the following incidents have occurred:
Nearly 600 lawsuits filed against 296 journalists, most of them on murder charges.
18 journalists arrested, only 2 have received bail.
Around 1,000 journalists and media workers fired or forced out.
168 press accreditation cards revoked.
83 journalists lost or had their press club memberships suspended.
6 journalists killed, many others injured or assaulted.
Over 50 news outlets attacked or vandalized.
Political groups have taken over editorial control of most media houses.
State-owned BTV alone has laid off nearly 100 staff. Private channels like Nagorik TV, Ekattor, DBC News, and Somoy TV have also carried out mass layoffs. Even district correspondents across the country are being systematically dismissed.
Waves of Lawsuits and Fear
Journalists are being targeted with cases ranging from murder and sedition to charges under the Digital Security Act—some even face accusations in the International Crimes Tribunal. Many have gone into hiding, unable to obtain bail or fearing further attacks if they return home.
A New Chapter in Media Takeover
Bangladesh has previously seen media shutdowns, but what journalists now describe is unprecedented: an orchestrated effort to seize control of the entire media landscape. Journalists are being punished simply for holding alternative views or attempting independent reporting.
Statistical Success vs. Ground-Level Suppression
While Bangladesh may have moved up the RSF index, journalists warn that in real terms, press freedom is on the brink of collapse. “We may be ranked above India and Pakistan on paper,” said one Dhaka-based journalist, “but we’re working under even greater fear and threat.”
Analysts say that unless this crackdown is halted, Bangladesh’s hopes for building a fair, democratic, and inclusive state will remain elusive.
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