A study conducted by Jahangirnagar University (JU) has found that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is responsible for an estimated 88,240 premature deaths each year across six major cities in the country. The findings indicate that an average of 242 people die every day due to air pollution-related illnesses.
The study also estimates that PM2.5 pollution costs the country nearly $23 billion annually—equivalent to approximately Tk 2.82 lakh crore, or about 5% of Bangladesh's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The research was conducted by Dr. Md. Sakhawat Hossain, Associate Professor and Chairman of the Department of Public Health and Informatics at JU. The study, recently published in the internationally recognized journal Population, was presented at a press conference on Wednesday, while Dr. Hossain confirmed the findings to Dhaka Tribune on Thursday.
The research analyzed the health and economic impacts of PM2.5 pollution in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, and Barisal. It found that approximately 260 deaths per 100,000 people are linked to air pollution.
According to the study, PM2.5 exposure contributes to 37,519 deaths from cardiovascular diseases, 8,344 deaths from chronic respiratory diseases, and 811 deaths from lung cancer each year.
Among the six cities, Dhaka experienced the highest number of premature deaths, with an estimated 68,703 fatalities annually. It was followed by Chittagong (11,202), Rajshahi (2,827), Khulna (2,625), Sylhet (1,488), and Barisal (1,395).
The study further revealed that premature deaths linked to PM2.5 pollution increased steadily between 2013 and 2021, with Dhaka recording the sharpest rise—adding an average of 3,484 extra deaths each year.
Dr. Hossain described the findings as a critical warning for policymakers, emphasizing that air pollution is not merely an environmental issue but a major public health and economic challenge. He urged the implementation of World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines, stricter control of PM2.5 emissions, integrated urban air quality management, and evidence-based policies to significantly reduce pollution-related deaths and economic losses.