That Dhaka once again topped the global air pollution index yesterday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 195 at 9:30am, is no longer a surprise.
However, what it is is a shameful reminder that underscores the depth of our battle with toxic air.
What makes this particularly aggravating is that summer is almost here, rains have already begun, and yet the air quality remains dangerously poor.
With seasonal changes no longer bringing relief, our failure to act will continue to exacerbate what has fast become a national public health emergency.
Respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular problems, and reduced life expectancy are the direct consequences of breathing toxic air, yet our nation simply fails to recognize the seriousness of the issue. While certain populations such as children and the elderly are the most vulnerable, no one is spared.
The economic cost is equally staggering, with literally billions in productivity lost in addition to our already fragile healthcare systems being burdened beyond capacity.
The fastest way to begin addressing the issue is to crack down on the biggest polluters -- illegal brick kilns, unregulated construction, and vehicular emissions from unfit vehicles.
We have known these to be the primary culprits for years now, yet enforcement remains frustratingly weak.
Without better regulation and stricter penalties, we will not make any progress when it comes to addressing air pollution.
In addition, especially as the energy crisis perpetuates, investment in cleaner technologies have become more essential than ever. Urban planning too must prioritize green spaces, better waste management, and sustainable transport.
It is the government’s duty to ensure that the air we breathe is safe. Allowing pollution to persist at these levels is sustained failure of governance and a mark of neglect, one that needs to change immediately.