Bangladesh surpasses India-Pakistan in media freedom index

Freedom of the media and journalism in various countries of the world has reached its worst level in the last few decades. Recently, the international organization 'Reporters Without Borders' (RSF) has released this year's press freedom index report. However, the hopeful thing is that Bangladesh is in a better position than India and Pakistan in this index within Asia. This information has been revealed in a report published in The Indian Express.

According to the report, Bangladesh is ranked 152nd in the freedom index with a score of 33.50. Pakistan is ranked 153rd with a score of 32.61 and India is ranked 157th with a score of 31.96. In addition, Bhutan is ranked 150th with the same score (33.50).

This latest annual report reveals a picture of the gradual deterioration of press freedom globally. The 'World Press Freedom Index', based on data from 180 countries, has recorded the lowest average score in the last 25 years.

The report said that for the first time in history, more than half of the world's countries were classified as "difficult" or "very serious" in terms of press freedom. In 2002, about one-fifth of the world's population lived in countries with a "good" press freedom rating; that figure has now fallen dramatically to less than 1 percent.

Press freedom is measured in five main areas - economic, legal, security, political and social - and the "legal environment" has deteriorated the most this year.

RSF said that governments in various countries are increasingly abusing "regressive legal tools", especially national security laws, to suppress the media. The organization warned that press freedom has been steadily shrinking even in democratic countries over the past 25 years and that journalism is increasingly being considered a "crime".

The report also said that RSF described the Trump administration's regular attacks on journalists in the United States as a "systematic policy". As a result, the United States has fallen seven places to 64th place. Ecuador and Peru have also seen significant declines.

On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been described as an “expert” in suppressing press freedom through anti-terrorism and anti-extremism laws. The country currently has 48 journalists in prison.

The United Kingdom has risen two places to 18th place compared to last year. However, the stabbing of an Iran International journalist in London in 2024 has raised concerns about security risks.

According to the report, Norway has topped the list for 10 consecutive years. On the other hand, Eritrea has been at the bottom (180th) for three consecutive years. Syria has risen 36 places in the index from 177th to 141st, following a political upheaval following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government in December 2024.

The report also said that Niger has fallen 37 places to 120th. In addition, Saudi Arabia's position has fallen 14 places due to continued violence against journalists, including the execution of journalist Turki al-Jassar in 2025.

India's position has further deteriorated in the 2026 index. India has fallen six places to 157th place, down from 151st place in 2025. With a score of 31.96, the country is now in the 'very serious' category for press freedom.

India's position is now much lower than its neighboring countries. Nepal is 87th, Maldives 108th, Sri Lanka 134th, Bhutan 150th, Bangladesh 152nd and Pakistan 153rd on the list. However, India is still ahead of Myanmar (166th), Afghanistan (175th) and China (178th).