Dhaka, the thriving capital of Bangladesh, is a city bursting with energy, ambition, and relentless activity. With over 20 million residents packed into its metropolitan area, Dhaka represents the aspirations of a nation on the rise. However, beneath its vibrant facade lies a crisis that threatens the health, productivity, and well-being of its people -- severe air pollution. Year after year, Dhaka ranks among the cities with the worst air quality worldwide, a distinction that highlights the urgent need for comprehensive action.
The question is no longer whether Dhaka’s air quality must improve but how quickly and effectively this improvement can be achieved. The time for action is now, before the costs—both human and economic -- become irreversible.
The growing health crisis
Air pollution has become a public health emergency in Dhaka. The city’s air contains dangerously high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other harmful pollutants. According to the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago, residents of Dhaka could gain up to seven years of life expectancy if air pollution were reduced to meet WHO standards. Alarmingly, the average PM2.5 concentration in Dhaka’s air is over 15 times higher than the WHO’s recommended limit.
A 2022 report by the World Bank estimates that 80,000 deaths in Bangladesh each year are directly attributable to air pollution. Dhaka shoulders a significant portion of this burden, with rising cases of respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and premature mortality. Children are particularly vulnerable, suffering from asthma, stunted lung development, and frequent hospital visits. For the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions, polluted air can be a death sentence.
The indirect costs are just as staggering. Illnesses caused by air pollution led to reduced workforce productivity, increased absenteeism in schools, and an overburdened healthcare system. The World Bank estimates that air pollution costs Bangladesh around 4% of its GDP annually, which translates to billions of dollars in lost economic output and healthcare expenses.
Illnesses caused by air pollution led to reduced workforce productivity, increased absenteeism in schools, and an overburdened healthcare system
What causes Dhaka’s air pollution?
Dhaka’s air pollution crisis stems from a combination of human activities, industrial practices, and urban planning failures. Identifying and addressing these sources is crucial for creating effective solutions:
- The inactive and failed city corporation: The inactive city corporation must be blamed for being unable to incorporate with other associated agencies to abide by the laws due to the lack of monitoring and regulations. Dhaka becomes God’s own city. Neither DNCC nor DSCC are taking any remarkable initiatives to make the air clean and safe for city dwellers
- Construction debris: Construction is a major contributor to air pollution in Dhaka. According to the Department of Environment (DoE), 58% of the city’s particulate matter pollution comes from construction activities. Rapid urbanization has led to an explosion of unregulated construction projects which release enormous amounts of dust and debris into the air. The lack of enforcement of dust control measures exacerbates this problem
- Vehicle emissions and mismanagement: Dhaka’s congested streets are filled with vehicles that emit harmful pollutants. A 2023 report by the CASE Project revealed that 15% of air pollution in Dhaka originates from vehicle emissions. Many older vehicles continue to operate despite their high emission levels, and the use of low-quality fuel worsens the situation
- Brick kilns: Dhaka’s outskirts are dotted with thousands of brick kilns, which are among the largest single sources of air pollution. These kilns, often operating with outdated technology, account for 21.7% of particulate matter pollution. During the dry season, the kilns operate at full capacity, blanketing the city with thick layers of smog
- Industrial emissions and lack of monitoring: Factories in and around Dhaka release pollutants directly into the air, often without proper filtration or monitoring. Textile dyeing units, steel plants, and chemical industries are particularly notorious for their emissions
- Open waste disposal and burning: In many parts of Dhaka, waste management is inadequate, leading to the widespread burning of garbage. This practice releases toxic chemicals, including dioxins, into the air
- Seasonal factors: Winter months see a spike in pollution levels due to temperature inversions that trap pollutants close to the ground. The dry season also contributes to higher dust levels, exacerbating the problem
- Urban renewal and gentrification: Dhaka city became a city of bricks jungle. To establish the unregulated and unrealistic new projects across the Dhaka city areas as well as sub-urban areas are also to blame for the drastic air pollution. Besides, during the urban renewal and gentrification process the serious absence of collaboration and lack of integration among the WASA, DAP, Road and Highways Divisions are also responsible for degrading air quality. As a consequence, the same roads have gone through construction and re-construction throughout the year causing serious suffering of the urban dwellers as it generates immense amounts of dust
Why immediate action is crucial
The consequences of inaction are dire. Without intervention, Dhaka’s air pollution will continue to deteriorate, with devastating effects on public health, economic productivity, and environmental sustainability. The ripple effects could deter foreign investment, reduce tourism, and create a negative perception of the city on the global stage. Most importantly, the human cost -- measured in lives lost and illnesses endured -- is unacceptable.
Solutions for a cleaner Dhaka
While the challenges are immense, the solutions are well within reach. Cities around the world, such as Beijing and New Delhi, have faced similar crises and implemented successful measures to improve air quality. Dhaka can draw on these examples while tailoring solutions to its unique context.
To address Dhaka's air pollution crisis, several measures need to be implemented. Authorities must enforce stricter dust control measures at construction sites to mitigate particulate matter pollution. This involves mandating the use of water sprays, protective coverings, and barriers to prevent dust dispersion, with substantial fines for non-compliance. The government should also modernize brick kilns by transitioning to cleaner technologies such as the Hybrid Hoffman Kiln and Tunnel Kiln, which emit fewer pollutants. Relocating these kilns away from densely populated areas can further reduce their environmental impact.
Improving vehicle emissions standards is essential, including phasing out older, high-emission vehicles, promoting cleaner fuels and electric vehicles, and expanding public transportation networks. Policies that incentivize ridesharing and discourage private car ownership can also help reduce traffic-related emissions. Enhancing waste management is another critical step, with a focus on eliminating open waste burning through composting and recycling initiatives, along with stricter enforcement against illegal burning. Besides following the developed countries road-maps Dhaka city as well as Bangladesh can initiate to increase the public transportation facilities across the countries which will ultimately reduce the number of private vehicles. And it also needs to restrict how many cars a family can own in the city by making a thorough investigation and need assessment.
Improving air quality is not a choice; it is an obligation we owe to ourselves
Increasing urban green spaces, such as planting more trees, developing rooftop gardens, and establishing community parks, can act as natural air filters and improve overall air quality while also enhancing mental well-being. Installing continuous air quality monitoring stations across the city is necessary to provide real-time data on pollution levels, enabling informed policy decisions and raising public awareness.
Public engagement through educational campaigns is vital to highlight the dangers of air pollution and encourage individuals to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as reducing waste, using public transport, and conserving energy. Finally, strong political will and effective governance are crucial for implementing and enforcing air quality regulations. Collaboration with international organizations can provide the technical expertise and financial resources needed to support large-scale initiatives. Together, these measures can pave the way for cleaner, healthier air in Dhaka.
The economic case for clean air
Improving air quality is not just a moral obligation; it is also an economic imperative. A cleaner Dhaka would lead to reduced healthcare costs, increased workforce productivity, and greater investor confidence. The World Bank’s analysis shows that every dollar invested in air pollution control yields multiple dollars in economic returns through improved health outcomes and reduced environmental damage.
Global lessons: What Dhaka can learn
Cities like Beijing have shown that targeted measures can lead to significant improvements in air quality. In just four years, Beijing reduced PM2.5 levels by 35% through a combination of stricter emissions controls, industrial upgrades, and public transportation expansion. New Delhi’s odd-even vehicle scheme, though temporary, successfully reduced vehicular emissions during peak pollution periods. These examples demonstrate that progress is possible with sustained effort.
A breath of hope for Dhaka
Dhaka’s air pollution crisis is a daunting challenge, but it is not an insurmountable one. By combining innovation, regulation, and community action, the city can reclaim its air and create a healthier, more livable environment for its residents.
Air is a basic necessity, not a luxury. Every resident of Dhaka has the right to breathe clean, safe air. The time to act is now. Let us commit to building a future where Dhaka’s skyline is not shrouded in smog but illuminated by the hope of cleaner, healthier days ahead.
Improving air quality is not a choice; it is an obligation we owe to ourselves, our children, and generations yet to come. Policy-makers, businesses, and citizens must unite to tackle this crisis. Cleaner air is within our reach, and with collective effort, Dhaka can rise above the haze to become a beacon of progress and sustainability. The journey starts today.
Mahmodul Shesheir is an Associate Researcher, Yale University. Dr Rasel Hussain is an Assistant Professor, East West University. Mehadi Shawon is a PhD student at Kansas State University. Faiaz Ahmed is a Research Coordinator at Yale University.
