Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution is responsible for an estimated 88,240 premature deaths every year across Bangladesh's six major cities, according to a study by Jahangirnagar University (JU).
The study was led by Dr Md Shakhaoat Hossain, chairman and associate professor of the Department of Public Health and Informatics at Jahangirnagar University, and was recently published in the international journal Population.
Dr Hossain confirmed the findings to the Dhaka Tribune on Thursday.
The research team presented the findings at a press conference on Wednesday.
Health burden of PM2.5 pollution
The study analyzed the health and economic impacts of PM2.5 pollution in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, and Barisal. It found that air pollution is associated with approximately 260 deaths per 100,000 people annually.
According to the study, PM2.5 pollution contributes to around 37,519 deaths from cardiovascular diseases, 8,344 deaths from chronic respiratory diseases, and 811 deaths from lung cancer each year.
The researchers found that premature deaths linked to PM2.5 pollution increased steadily in all six cities between 2013 and 2021. Dhaka recorded the steepest increase, with an average of about 3,484 additional premature deaths annually.
The study said the trend reflects worsening air quality in Bangladesh's urban areas and highlights the need for stronger pollution control measures.
Dhaka records highest number of deaths
Dhaka recorded an estimated 68,703 premature deaths annually, followed by Chittagong with 11,202, Rajshahi with 2,827, Khulna with 2,625, Sylhet with 1,488, and Barisal with 1,395.
The study estimated that air pollution costs Bangladesh's economy around $23 billion annually, equivalent to approximately Tk2,82,000 crore at the current exchange rate, or about 5% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune, Dr Md Shakhaoat Hossain said: “Air pollution should no longer be viewed solely as an environmental issue. It has become a major public health and economic challenge.”
He said: “Without immediate and effective interventions, both the health burden and economic losses will continue to rise.”
He recommended implementing the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines, reducing PM2.5 emissions from major sources, strengthening integrated urban air quality management, and adopting evidence-based policies to reduce premature deaths and economic losses.