Dhaka, the overcrowded capital of Bangladesh, ranked 31st among cities with the worst air quality this morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 71 at 9:20 AM. According to the AQI scale, this level is considered ‘moderate’, indicating a slight health concern for sensitive individuals such as those with respiratory conditions.
This classification suggests that while the air is generally acceptable, vulnerable populations should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activity. The consistent presence of moderate air over recent days marks a noticeable improvement, likely supported by the seasonal monsoon rains that help reduce airborne pollutants.
While Dhaka’s air showed signs of easing, other major global cities reported significantly worse conditions. Santiago in Chile topped the list with an AQI of 189, followed by Cairo in Egypt with 156 and Lahore in Pakistan with 151. These readings fall into the ‘unhealthy’ range, posing greater risks to public health.
In Bangladesh, the AQI is measured based on concentrations of five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone (O₃). AQI levels between 50 and 100 are classified as ‘moderate’, while values from 101 to 150 are considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’. A range of 151 to 200 is ‘unhealthy’, 201 to 300 is ‘very unhealthy’, and anything above 300 is deemed ‘hazardous’.
Dhaka’s air quality typically deteriorates during the dry winter months when construction dust, industrial emissions, and traffic fumes accumulate in the atmosphere. In contrast, the monsoon season often provides temporary relief, as rainfall naturally clears the air.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution causes an estimated seven million deaths globally each year. The health consequences are severe, contributing to strokes, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
Despite this short-term improvement, environmental experts warn that the city needs long-term, sustainable strategies. These include stricter emissions regulations, greener urban planning, and improved public transportation to combat chronic air pollution and protect public health.
Source: UNB
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
