Despite lighter traffic and reduced public movement during the Eid-ul-Azha holiday, Dhaka recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 135 on Tuesday morning, placing it eighth among the most polluted cities in the world.
The AQI level, measured around 9:30am, categorised the capital’s air as “unhealthy,” according to data from IQAir.
Such a rating poses health risks, especially for sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Dhaka’s continued poor air quality, even during periods of reduced human activity, has raised fresh concerns about the city’s persistent environmental and public health challenges. In recent days, air pollution levels have remained consistently above safe thresholds.
According to AQI standards, a score between 101 and 150 is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” while scores between 151 and 200 are “unhealthy” for the general population. Dhaka’s score of 135 falls within the former range, suggesting that vulnerable populations should limit prolonged outdoor exposure.
Globally, Delhi topped the list with an AQI of 174, followed by Baghdad (157) and Kuwait City (153).
Bangladesh’s AQI readings are based on five major air pollutants: particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and ground-level ozone (O₃).
Environmental experts have long pointed to industrial emissions, unregulated construction, brick kilns, and vehicular pollution as key contributors to Dhaka’s hazardous air quality. The capital routinely ranks among the most polluted cities in the world, posing significant health risks for its over 20 million residents.
With air pollution levels remaining high even on holidays, public health experts warn of the urgent need for policy intervention and stronger enforcement of environmental regulations.
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
