While global online freedom has declined, Bangladesh has shown significant progress this year, bringing it closer to India in the internet freedom index.
This is according to the “Freedom on the Net 2025” report, published on 13 November by Freedom House, a pro-democracy, anti-fascist US-based NGO. that works. Bangladesh’s score has increased from 40 last year to 45 this year – its highest score in the last seven years, which also positions it close to regional neighbours India (51) and Sri Lanka (53).
Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser in charge of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, following his appointment, has undertaken various initiatives to enhance internet freedom, according to a press release issued by the ministry.
These include passing the new Telecom Ordinance, fundamental changes to the surveillance framework, the Personal Data Protection Ordinance, and the National Data Management Ordinance, which have contributed to this rise in the index, the release said, adding that a World Bank delegation has already stated the Personal Data Protection Ordinance and the National Data Management Ordinance to be of “world-class standard”.
According to the report, Bangladesh is identified as the country making the most progress among 72 countries worldwide this year. The report further states that the removal of the repressive government following the student-led mass uprising in July 2024, along with various policy reforms by the interim government – particularly the policy amendment to stop internet shutdowns and the repeal of the controversial Cyber Security Act – have played a helpful role in increasing internet freedom.
Bangladesh reflects the commitment to making the country’s digital future more open and secure, the release said, adding that it hoped that with the ongoing initiatives in quality internet governance, digital transformation, simplifying the complex telecom license regime, citizen services, and interoperability, Bangladesh’s internet freedom index will very soon surpass 50.
