In a slight but notable improvement, Dhaka has dropped out of the list of the world’s top 10 most polluted cities, according to air quality data recorded this morning. Meanwhile, India’s capital Delhi continues to grapple with severe air pollution, ranking at the top of the global pollution index.
As of 8:30 AM today, Dhaka’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was measured at 102 – categorized as “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” including children, the elderly, and people with respiratory issues. The capital city now holds the 11th position on the list of most polluted cities.
In comparison, the AQI in Dhaka on Thursday morning was 126, also marked as unhealthy for sensitive individuals.
Delhi, however, topped the list with an AQI of 196, indicating generally unhealthy air. Other cities in the top five include Kathmandu, Nepal (190); Dubai, UAE (164); Cairo, Egypt (160); and Chiang Mai, Thailand (153).
The air quality rankings are provided by IQAir, a Switzerland-based technology company specializing in real-time air monitoring. According to IQAir, the primary contributor to Dhaka’s air pollution is fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which poses serious health threats including respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and long-term risks such as cancer.
Globally, an AQI below 50 is considered “good,” while 51–100 is “moderate.” An index between 101–150 is unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151–200 is considered unhealthy for all, 201–300 is “very unhealthy,” and anything beyond 300 is classified as hazardous.
Air pollution continues to take a heavy toll on global health. A 2023 study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that pollution from fossil fuels alone causes an estimated 5.2 million deaths annually worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that household and ambient air pollution combined are responsible for about 6.7 million deaths every year.
Bangladesh, along with Chad, ranked among the most polluted countries in 2023, according to international assessments.
In light of the persistent air quality concerns, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has urged residents, especially those at risk, to wear masks when outdoors and to avoid unnecessary travel.
Authorities have also issued directives for brick kilns and industrial facilities to cease open burning of waste. Construction sites are advised to install enclosures and coverings for materials, spray water twice daily around the premises, and ensure that transport vehicles are adequately covered. Old and smoke-emitting vehicles have also been asked to stay off the roads.
LND/NE
