Dhaka's air pollution has once again reached alarming levels, with the capital recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 203 on Friday morning. Classified as “very unhealthy,” this reading is another reminder of a public health crisis that continues to receive far less attention than it deserves.
Air pollution is not a seasonal inconvenience that residents should simply learn to live with. It is a serious threat to public health, contributing to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and other long-term complications. Children, older people, and those with existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable, but the consequences extend to everyone who breathes the city's air.
The sources of this pollution are well known: Unregulated construction, road dust, emissions from ageing vehicles, industrial pollution, and brick kilns all contribute to the problem. Yet, despite repeated warnings and directives, meaningful improvements remain difficult to see.
The courts have previously issued directives to tackle air pollution, including controlling construction dust and shutting down illegal brick kilns. The continued deterioration of air quality raises serious questions about how effectively these measures are being enforced.
We need more than occasional drives and temporary interventions. Authorities must coordinate their efforts, enforce environmental regulations and hold those responsible for pollution accountable.
Construction sites must follow dust-control requirements, illegal brick kilns must be shut down, and vehicle emissions must be monitored more strictly. Regular monitoring and transparent reporting should also become standard practice.
At the same time, improving public transport, expanding green spaces, and investing in sustainable urban planning must be treated as long-term priorities.
People should not have to choose between going outside and protecting their health.
Let us be clear: Clean air is a basic necessity, not a privilege. Dhaka's worsening pollution demands urgent, sustained action. Another day of alarming AQI readings should not remain another day of inaction.
