'Bangladesh goes up in democracy index amid BNP's uproar'

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Friday said amid BNP's continuous hue and cry that there is no democracy in the country and the people have no freedom of speech, Bangladesh moved one notch up in democracy index as per a new report of Washington based research institute Freedom House.

"It means practice of democracy continues in Bangladesh. Under the leadership of Jananetri Sheikh Hasina, progress has been achieved in all sectors, including freedom of speech," he said while exchanging views with reporters on Bangladesh's progress in democracy index at his Minto Road residence.

Hasan, also Awami League (AL) joint general secretary, said on one hand, BNP leaders always make comments, join different programme of television channels and make irrational criticisms of the government, on the other hand, they claim that they have no freedom of expression.

Freedom House report revealed that BNP's claims are absolutely false, he said.