As winter settles over Dhaka, the hustle of the streets slows, the fog becomes thicker, and the sun struggles to break through the haze. However, with the onset of the colder months comes a dangerous reality: The city’s air quality worsens. In winter the already dangerous air of Dhaka city becomes even more harmful.
Winter is particularly unforgiving for Dhaka's air quality. The lack of rain, which usually helps wash away pollutants and clear the air, exacerbates the problem. Without the cleansing effect of rain, the toxic particles in the air simply become dangerous. The cool weather traps the pollution closer to the ground, creating a thick fog. What we are left with is a dense, toxic smog that we breathe in daily. It’s not just a seasonal inconvenience -- this is a public health crisis, one that grows with each passing day.
The situation is further aggravated by ongoing construction activities. Road construction, unplanned building developments, and the practice of storing construction materials on roads and in residential areas worsen the crisis, especially in public spaces. The intensity of such activities increases during winter as the dry weather makes it easier for construction work to proceed. Dust, debris, and fine particles from these activities fill the air, and add to the already critical pollution levels.
The air in Dhaka is already some of the most polluted in the world, and it only gets worse as winter progresses. According to the State of Global Air (SoGA) 2024 report, the city consistently ranks among the top cities globally with hazardous pollution levels. On many mornings, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches 291, a level categorized as “very unhealthy.” The impact of this is profound. Every breath we take is filled with fine particulate matter -- particles so small they can infiltrate our lungs, bloodstream, and even our brains.
Winter, however, amplifies this danger. As temperatures drop, the use of harmful fuels like wood and coal increases for heating purposes. This adds more toxins to the air, further intensifying the pollution. And with the cooler temperatures, the air doesn’t have the natural mechanism of rain to clear it. Instead, the pollution lingers, enveloping the city in a heavy, suffocating cloud. Every breath taken is potentially another step toward lifelong health problems.
It’s hard not to see the similarities between the smog in Dhaka and the dark, industrial cities of the past, as described in literature. In Hard Times by Charles Dickens, the author described the industrial town of Coketown as a place where “the air was as dry as the bones of a forgotten grave,” and where the very essence of life was crushed under the weight of industrial progress. Much like Coketown, Dhaka’s pollution acts as a suffocating force that makes life harder for us. Just as Dickens’ characters were trapped in their grim surroundings, we are also trapped in this toxic air.
We cannot ignore that Dhaka’s air quality is a direct result of years of poor urban planning, and neglect of environmental concerns. The city lacks sufficient green spaces, an efficient public transport system, and sustainable waste management practices. As a result, the air we breathe is becoming more polluted, especially during the winter. The dense fog that clogs the streets isn’t just a symptom of a poorly managed city; it is the consequence of choices made over decades—choices that have allowed pollution to flourish unchecked.
Well-known environmentalist Syeda Rizwana Hasan is now the Adviser for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. From the past many years, we have heard her speaking about these problems and suggesting various solutions. Now, she holds the responsibility. She is at the helm. We want to see visible changes. If the government calls for action, if they need our support, we will come together -- students, businesses, and citizens alike -- to begin reversing the damage. However, the initiatives must be taken by the government for an effective change.
The winter months remind us that the air we breathe is not just a trivial concern; it is a matter of life and death. The health of our children, the future of Dhaka, and the well-being of our planet depend on the choices we make today. We can no longer afford to wait for the rain to clear the air. The time for action is now. Let’s not allow this polluted air to define our future. We must clear the air for our children and for the generations that will follow.
Md Kawsar Uddin, Associate Professor, Department of English and Modern Languages, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology.
