Bangladesh has made notable progress in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, rising 16 places to rank 149th among 180 countries with a score of 33.71, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Last year, Bangladesh was placed at 165th. Among its South Asian neighbors, India ranks 151st, Pakistan 158th, and Bhutan 152nd—all trailing behind Bangladesh. However, Nepal (90th), Sri Lanka (139th), and the Maldives (104th) continue to outperform Bangladesh in the index.