Air pollution continues to worsen across major cities worldwide, with South Asia experiencing particularly severe conditions during the dry season.
In the absence of rainfall, dust particles, emissions from vehicles, brick kilns and construction activities remain suspended in the air for longer periods, pushing pollution levels higher.
According to the air quality monitoring platform IQAir, Dhaka ranked third among the world’s most polluted cities at 8:30am on Saturday, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 222. The reading falls under the “very unhealthy” category.
At the same time last Saturday, Dhaka’s AQI stood at 253. Although the level has slightly decreased over the past week, air quality in the capital remains at a level considered harmful to health.
Pakistan’s Lahore topped the list with an AQI of 316, classified as “hazardous.” IQAir advised residents to avoid outdoor activities and wear protective masks when stepping outside. India’s Delhi ranked second with an AQI of 225, also categorized as “very unhealthy.”
Meanwhile, Kolkata placed fifth with a score of 182, which is considered “unhealthy.”
The AQI scale categorizes air quality as “good” between 0 and 50, “moderate” from 51 to 100, and “unhealthy for sensitive groups” between 101 and 150. A score of 151–200 is labelled “unhealthy,” 201–300 “very unhealthy,” and 301–400 “hazardous,” posing serious health risks to the general population.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the recommended annual average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic meter.
However, during winter and dry months, PM2.5 levels in Dhaka frequently rise several times above the guideline. Previous data from the Department of Environment indicate that PM2.5 concentrations in the capital can reach eight to ten times higher than WHO standards during peak pollution periods.
Environmental experts attribute Dhaka’s worsening air quality to emissions from brick kilns, aging vehicles, road dust, unregulated construction activities, and industrial pollution, along with transboundary pollution from neighboring regions.
Prof Kamruzzaman Majumder, an environmental scientist at Stamford University Bangladesh, said: “Without coordinated and strict enforcement measures, air pollution in Dhaka will continue to pose serious health risks.”
Public health specialists have urged children, the elderly, pregnant women and individuals with respiratory conditions to limit outdoor exposure. They also recommend wearing quality masks outdoors and ensuring proper ventilation indoors.
Experts say that while short-term precautionary measures are important, sustainable urban planning, stricter emission controls and effective monitoring mechanisms are essential for long-term improvement in air quality.
