Dhaka stands as one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with a population exceeding 20 million. As urbanization accelerates, so does the strain on Dhaka’s air quality, exacerbating a public health crisis with global implications.
In 2024, Dhaka continues to face severe air pollution challenges, with the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently reaching "unhealthy" levels, averaging between 150-200 annually. During winter months, the AQI often exceeds 300, occasionally surpassing 400, marking "hazardous" conditions.
The primary pollutants include PM2.5 and PM10, with PM2.5 levels almost always more than 10 times above the World Health Organization's guidelines. These pollutants have grave health implications, including cardiovascular diseases, respiratory conditions, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to ambient air pollutants is linked to approximately 4.2 million premature deaths annually, with urban areas bearing a significant share of this burden. As more than half of the global population now resides in urban areas -- a proportion projected to rise to 70% by 2050 -- cities like Dhaka are at the epicentre of this crisis.
Dhaka’s rapid urbanization has intensified pollution, with construction being identified as the leading contributor, responsible for 30% of the city’s pollution. Industrial activities, including emissions from 1,000 brick kilns and factories, contribute another 29%, while vehicle emissions account for 15%. Transboundary pollution from neighboring countries adds 10%, with the remaining sources coming from waste burning and wood-fired stoves.
Recent studies reveal that urban expansion and increased emissions contribute significantly to the city’s worsening air pollution. A striking example is the city’s traffic congestion, where average speeds have dwindled to a mere 4.5 kilometres per hour, reflecting the broader impact of urban sprawl on air quality.
Another report from the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago underscores Dhaka’s status as the city with the worst air pollution globally since 2018, leading to a Dhaka resident losing eight years of life expectancy due to poor air quality. Research published in Science Advances found that between 2005 and 2018, air pollution in Dhaka led to 24,000 premature deaths, the highest number among 46 cities studied.
A World Bank study, the first of its kind, analyzed the health impacts of PM2.5 exposures on 12,000 Bangladeshis. It found that a 1% increase in PM2.5 levels above WHO guidelines was associated with a 12.8% increase in breathing difficulties and a 20% rise in depression rates.
It found that a 1% increase in PM2.5 levels above WHO guidelines was associated with a 12.8% increase in breathing difficulties and a 20% rise in depression rates
The study also revealed socioeconomic disparities, with higher-income individuals experiencing 45% lower exposure to PM2.5. These particles, capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and bloodstream, are linked to severe health conditions including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and cancer.
Beyond the health implications, air pollution imposes a substantial economic burden. The World Bank estimates that losses from air pollution in 2019 ranged between $11.5 billion and $13 billion, representing 3.9% to 4.4% of Bangladesh’s GDP. Air pollution is closely associated with four of the 10 leading causes of death in Bangladesh: Heart disease, lower respiratory infections, lung cancer, and stroke.
Addressing this crisis requires urgent and comprehensive measures. Despite the challenges posed by economic growth, several strategies could improve Dhaka’s air quality. Implementing stricter regulations on fuel types and vehicle emissions is essential. Eliminating outdated engines could significantly reduce pollution levels. Additionally, enforcing stricter controls on industrial activities and construction sites, and holding entities accountable for their emissions, could mitigate some of the city’s pollution.
Public awareness and policy reforms are also critical. Many citizens are unaware of the severity of air pollution, as its effects are not always visible. Raising awareness about the health risks associated with poor air quality and advocating for cleaner technologies and stricter environmental regulations are vital steps towards improving air quality in Dhaka.
Urbanization, while driving economic growth, has significantly deteriorated air quality, posing severe health risks and economic costs. By adopting targeted interventions and fostering public awareness, there must be collective consensus to work towards mitigating the impact of air pollution and safeguarding the health and well-being of residents.
Dr Md Shamim Hayder Talukder is Member Secretary, Bangladesh Urban Health Network and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Eminence Associates for Social Development. Md Wahiduzzaman is a Project Assistant, Bangladesh Urban Health Network, and Urban Health Officer (UHO), Eminence Associates for Social Development.
