In terms of press freedom and safe atmosphere for the journalists, Bangladesh has ranked 146 out of 180 countries taken into consideration in compiling World Press Freedom Index 2015.

The index categorised Bangladesh as having 'difficult situation' after assessing the degree of freedom that journalists, news media and netizens (Internet citizens) enjoyed in country in 2014.

France-based non-profit organisation, Reporters Without Borders (RWB), which promotes press freedom and has consultative status with the United Nations and UNESCO, has published the index, which the organisation has been publishing since 2002.

Having achieved an overall score of 42.95, Bangladesh leaves behind Pakistan (159) and Sri Lanka (165), but is surpassed by India (136) and Nepal (105). Even China falls behind Bangladesh with a rank of 176.

Situation in Bangladesh, however, is technically unchanged as in 2013 a total of 178 were taken into consideration and Bangladesh ranked 144.

According the RWB’s index, one journalist was killed in Bangladesh in 2014, but no netizen (Internet citizens) was harmed. It got 52.57 as abuse score.

Although earlier data suggests that Bangladesh has a consistent downward trend in the press freedom index since 2002, in 2009, it rose by 5 places grabbing 121^st position. Besides, in 2007 and 2006 it saw improvement in the ranking.

The methodology used to prepare index incorporated a range of criteria that include media pluralism and independence, respect for the safety and freedom of journalists, abuses; and the legislative, institutional, and infrastructural environment in which the media operate.

Click here for : World Press Freedom Index 2015