Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, has ranked third on the global list of cities with the worst air quality, recording an AQI score of 217 at 9:00 am on February 26, 2025. The air was classified as 'very unhealthy,' posing a severe health risk to residents, according to the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Compared to yesterday, today’s air quality worsened, with the AQI score increasing by 30 points. The AQI index categorizes air quality based on the level of particle pollution: a score between 50 and 100 is considered 'moderate,' 101 to 150 'unhealthy for sensitive groups,' 151 to 200 'unhealthy,' 201 to 300 'very unhealthy,' and a score above 301 is 'hazardous,' indicating serious health risks.
Dakar, Senegal, and Delhi, India, ranked first and second, with AQI scores of 258 and 250, respectively. Kathmandu, Nepal, followed closely with an AQI of 181, taking the fourth spot.
The AQI, which measures five major pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone), is a key indicator of air quality. Dhaka has struggled with air pollution, particularly during the winter months, though it typically improves during the monsoon season.
Air pollution is a global health crisis, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that it kills around seven million people annually, mainly due to diseases like stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory infections.
As of 9:00 am on February 26, 2025, the cities with the worst air quality were Delhi, India, with an AQI of 270, followed by Dakar, Senegal, at 258, and Dhaka at 217. Other cities on the list included Shanghai, China, with an AQI of 181, Wuhan, China, at 168, and Lahore, Pakistan, at 167. Other cities with poor air quality included Kampala, Uganda, Bucharest, Romania, Kathmandu, Nepal, and Kolkata, India, with AQI readings ranging from 161 to 159.
In contrast, the cities with the cleanest air included Auckland, New Zealand, with an AQI of 12, Kuching, Malaysia, at 13, and Madrid, Spain, at 21. Other cities with the best air quality included Brussels, Belgium, Johannesburg, South Africa, Vancouver, Canada, Sydney, Australia, Lyon, France, Portland, USA, and San Francisco, USA, all with AQI readings between 22 and 26. These cities boast some of the cleanest air in the world, offering residents healthier living conditions.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
