Bangladesh Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Bangladesh's rule of law was -0.49 in 2025, ranked 136th globally. This represents a 2.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Bangladesh's rule of law stood at -0.49 in 2025, a rise of +0.01 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.49 by 2025. Bangladesh ranked 136th globally.
Bangladesh’s Rule of Law score on the World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators has risen steadily from –0.93 in 1996 to a 2025 value of –0.49, the highest level recorded in the 26‑year series and positioning the country at 136th place globally. The index’s all‑time trough of –1.15 occurred in 2003, after which incremental improvements have narrowed the gap with peers such as Togo (–0.49) and Lesotho (–0.50). The upward trajectory reflects modest advances in judicial independence, contract enforcement and the predictability of legal outcomes, yet the score remains well below the neutral midpoint of zero, indicating persistent challenges in institutional capacity and corruption control. Continued reforms in court administration, anti‑corruption measures and capacity‑building for law enforcement could accelerate progress, while setbacks in political stability or fiscal constraints might stall the modest gains achieved to date.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.47 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.49 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.49 | +0.01 | #136 |
| 2023 | -0.50 | +0.10 | #136 |
| 2022 | -0.60 | +0.02 | #143 |
| 2021 | -0.63 | −0.06 | #144 |
| 2020 | -0.57 | +0.08 | #138 |
| 2019 | -0.64 | +0.01 | #147 |
| 2018 | -0.65 | +0.03 | #146 |
| 2017 | -0.68 | −0.01 | #146 |
| 2016 | -0.67 | +0.10 | #146 |
| 2015 | -0.77 | +0.01 | #151 |
| 2014 | -0.78 | +0.09 | #152 |
| 2013 | -0.87 | +0.06 | #161 |
| 2012 | -0.94 | −0.20 | #165 |
| 2011 | -0.73 | +0.07 | #147 |
| 2010 | -0.80 | −0.02 | #150 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bangladesh matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2020. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw rule of law improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bangladesh's rule of law was -0.49 in 2025. Ranked 136th globally. This represents a 2.6% increase from the previous year.
Bangladesh's rule of law peaked at -0.49 in 2025.
The lowest rule of law in Bangladesh was -1.15 in 2003.
Bangladesh ranks 136th globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Bangladesh's rule of law is projected to reach -0.49 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Bangladesh in 2025 was -0.49. This ranks 136th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bangladesh_rule-of-law,
title = {Bangladesh Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bangladesh/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}