On Sunday morning at 10:05 AM, Dhaka recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 445, making it the most polluted city among 125 cities worldwide, according to IQAir.
Such a high score places Dhaka's air in the "hazardous" category, a level that poses severe health risks.
While air pollution has long been a problem for Dhaka, Sunday's AQI levels are among the worst in recent times.
In light of Dhaka’s critical air quality, IQAir advises residents to take precautions.
Those going outside should wear masks to minimize exposure, and outdoor exercise is discouraged to avoid inhaling the toxic air. Addressing this urgent issue requires collective efforts and immediate action to protect public health.
Following Dhaka, Baghdad ranks as the second most polluted city with a score of 444, also classified as "hazardous."
Karachi in Pakistan occupies the third spot with a score of 248, followed by Hanoi, Vietnam, at 216 and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, at 213.
The most polluted areas in Dhaka include Gulshan Lake Park with an alarming AQI of 769, Gulshan-2's Rob Bhaban at 728, and the US Embassy area, which recorded a score of 706. IQAir, a Swiss-based organization, regularly updates its website with real-time air quality data to inform and alert the public.
As part of its health advisory, it recommends wearing masks outdoors to reduce health risks associated with such polluted air.
Experts emphasize that the current air quality is deeply concerning.
If AQI levels remain above 300 for three consecutive days for three-hour intervals, a public health emergency should be declared in the affected areas.
Authorities have been urged to increase awareness through print, electronic and social media platforms to help people understand the risks and take necessary precautions.
According to IQAir, air quality is categorized as moderate or acceptable if the AQI is between 51 and 100.
Scores between 101 and 150 are deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups, while scores between 151 and 200 are classified as unhealthy for all.
Air with scores between 201 and 300 is considered very unhealthy, and anything above 300 is deemed hazardous.