Bangladesh has slipped a notch in the World Press Freedom Index as it ranked 163 among 180 nations and territories in the 2023 report published today by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Bangladesh got a score of 35.31 in the 2023 index, whereas it scored slightly higher at 36.63 in 2022.

Bangladesh ranked 163rd out of 180 countries. The country was in 162nd position last year, according to the report released today.

However, in the 2021 index, Bangladesh's position was 152nd with a score of 50.29; it ranked 151 in the 2020 index.

The country ranked the lowest among its neighbouring countries, most of which also saw press freedom erode. 

India dropped to 161, while Pakistan stood at 150, Sri Lanka rose to 135 from 146 last year, Afghanistan at 152, Nepal fell to 95 from 76 last year, and Bhutan slipped to 95 from 33 last year.

BDST: 1548 HRS, MAY 03, 2023
MN/SMS