Bangladesh
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
44 / 100
Partly Free
Internet Freedom
45 / 100
Partly Free
The ruling Awami League (AL) has consolidated political power through sustained harassment of the opposition and those perceived to be allied with it, as well as of critical media and voices in civil society. Violence and discrimination against religious minorities and refugees, particularly Rohingya who have fled Myanmar, are significant problems.
Research & Recommendations
Bangladesh
Partly Free
44
100
| PR Political Rights | 15 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 29 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
45
100
Partly Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
In August 2024, the ruling Awami League (AL), which consolidated its control by harassing political opponents and co-opting state institutions during its 15 years in power, was overthrown in a student-led uprising. With the backing of the military and student protesters, an interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus took office. Over the next year and a half, the interim government reopened political and civic space and began to implement reforms ahead of planned elections, but extralegal violence and political retribution remained problems.
Freedom in the World 2026 Policy Recommendations
Strengthen democratic coordination and collective action in a contested global order
Democratic resilience will increasingly depend on stronger coordination among countries that share a commitment to freedom, the rule of law, and accountable governance.
Reimagine international democracy assistance to help reverse the global decline in freedom
International support for democratic institutions, civil society, and independent media has been associated with modest but meaningful improvements in democratic governance, and it is far less costly than the military outlays necessitated by rising authoritarian aggression.
Prioritize engagement with younger generations in the digital spaces where civic identity is now formed
Young people are increasingly dissatisfied with democracy—not because they reject its principles, but because they see institutions failing to deliver on them. Programmatic work should create clear pathways for meaningful political participation, from voting and policy engagement to community organizing and public leadership, so that young people can translate their expectations into agency.
Bangladesh
Partly Free
45
100
| A Obstacles to Access | 12 25 |
| B Limits on Content | 20 35 |
| C Violations of User Rights | 13 40 |
Last Year's Score & Status
40
100
Partly Free
Scores are based on a scale of 0 (least free) to 100 (most free).
See the methodology and report acknowledgements.
Political Overview
Before its ouster in August 2024, the AL had ruled the country for 15 years, maintaining control by harassing political opponents and co-opting state institutions. The new interim government, which had the backing of the military and student protesters, was led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus. It moved to reopen political and civic space and began to reform state institutions, but violence and political retribution remained problems.
Freedom on the Net 2025 Policy Recommendations
Countering Restrictions on Freedom of Expression
Freedom of expression online has been and is increasingly under attack as governments shut off internet connectivity, block social media platforms, and restrict access to websites that host political, social, and religious speech. Protecting freedom of expression will require strong legal and regulatory safeguards for digital communications.
Countering Manipulation of the Online Environment
Governments should encourage a whole-of-society approach to fostering a high-quality, diverse, and trustworthy information space. The Global Declaration on Information Integrity Online identifies best practices for safeguarding the information ecosystem, to which governments should adhere.
Countering Restrictions on Privacy and Disproportionate Government Surveillance
Comprehensive data-protection regulations and industry policies on data protection are essential for upholding privacy and combating disproportionate government surveillance, but they require careful crafting to ensure that they do not contribute to internet fragmentation—the siloing of the global internet into nation-based segments—and cannot be used by governments to undermine privacy and other fundamental freedoms.
News and Updates
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
44
/ 100
Partly Free
Freedom on the Net Score
45
/ 100
Partly Free
Population: 171,200,000
Internet Facts
Status
Partly Free
Networks Restricted
Yes
Social Media Blocked
Yes
Websites Blocked
Yes
Pro-government Commentators
Yes
Users Arrested
Yes
Election Facts
Status
Past Election
Date of Election
January 7, 2024
Type of Election
Parliamentary
Internet Penetration
38.90%
Election Year
2024
Vulnerability Index
40
/ 100
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
