Dhaka, May 03 (V7N)-Information and Broadcasting Advisor Md. Mahfuz Alam stated that Bangladesh's rise by 16 positions in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index is a result of the lack of government interference in the country’s media.

Speaking on Friday (May 2) following the publication of the index by Reporters Without Borders, Mahfuz Alam said that state-owned and private media—including Bangladesh Betar and BTV—are now free from government influence, with no directives issued via phone calls to media outlets.

He highlighted several initiatives taken by the interim government to establish an independent and vibrant press, citing the country's improved ranking—149th out of 180 countries in 2025, up from 165th in 2024—as proof of progress.

The advisor also mentioned that media reforms based on the Media Reform Commission's recommendations would be launched soon, with the goal of strengthening press freedom and protecting the rights of journalists.

Mahfuz Alam expressed optimism that Bangladesh would further improve in the next index, coinciding with the celebration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3.

END/MSS/AJ