A recent study published in GSC Advanced Research and Reviews reveals an alarming level of air pollution in Dhaka, posing a severe threat to public health and the city’s economy. Conducted by Ashfaqur Rahman and a team of researchers from the Young’s Organization of Urban Research (YOUR), Western Illinois University, and several other institutions, the study sheds light on the hazardous impact of rapid urbanisation, poor infrastructure, and unchecked vehicle emissions on the city’s air quality. The research, conducted between February and April 2024, reports that particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations in Dhaka are consistently above national safety guidelines, particularly during the winter months when levels reached an average of 165-175 µg/m³—significantly higher than the permissible limits. In contrast, the concentration was somewhat lower during the monsoon season, averaging between 30-35 µg/m³. However, even these levels are enough to pose serious risks to respiratory health, especially for vulnerable populations. Dhaka’s rapid growth, with a population exceeding 21 million, has led to chronic traffic congestion and industrial emissions, worsening the city’s air quality. The study highlights that coal-fired power stations and industrial pollutants release harmful chemicals such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), contributing significantly to both local air pollution and global climate change. “Our findings show that immediate and comprehensive action is needed to address the deteriorating air quality in Dhaka. This is not just an environmental issue—it’s a matter of public health and economic sustainability,” says Ashfaqur Rahman from Western Illinois University. The researchers emphasise the need for stricter emission standards, better urban planning and the promotion of cleaner transportation options. Integrating green spaces and pedestrian-friendly zones into the urban fabric of Dhaka would also be beneficial. A stronger emphasis on public awareness campaigns and enforcing air quality regulations could contribute to sustainable urban growth, helping protect the health of Dhaka’s citizens. According to the World Bank, losses due to air pollution in 2019 alone amounted to between $11.5 billion and $13 billion, equivalent to 3.9% to 4.4% of Bangladesh’s GDP. The study urges the Bangladesh government to expedite the implementation of policies that prioritise sustainable development, especially in urban areas like Dhaka where the quality of life is rapidly declining. “Addressing air pollution in Dhaka requires a multi-sectoral approach involving all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and civil society. Ensuring cleaner air for future generations is a shared responsibility,” added co-researcher Faisal Ahmed from the College of Computer and Information Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, China. The study’s contributors include experts from various academic and research institutions, including the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology at the University of Dhaka, the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Presidency University, Bangladesh, and the Department of Software Engineering at Chengdu Neusoft University, China. The comprehensive research, reviewed and accepted by the GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, calls for immediate and concrete actions to tackle this critical issue. While there have been some efforts to reduce emissions in the past, the research concludes that much more needs to be done to ensure a sustainable future for Dhaka’s residents. Implementing stricter air quality regulations and promoting responsible urbanization practices could be the first steps toward achieving this goal. Another study published in Science Advances estimated that between 2005 and 2018, there were 24,000 premature deaths in Dhaka due to air pollution — the highest among 46 cities analysed. Science Advances is a peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary, open-access scientific journal, established in 2015 and published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Dhaka's air quality has been categorised as ‘unhealthy’ this morning (October 7, 2023). With an air quality index (AQI) score of 153 at 9:05 am, Dhaka ranked 5th on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality. India’s Delhi, Indonesia’s Jakarta and Pakistan’s Lahore occupied the first three spots on the list, with AQI scores of 178, 169 and 168, respectively. An AQI between 150 and 200 is considered 'unhealthy', AQI between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. After days of ‘moderate’ air quality, Dhaka’s air 5th worst in the world this morning In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants -- Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and Ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. Thanks to continued rain, Dhaka's air quality remains ‘moderate’ Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections. Dhaka's air quality ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ this morning

The air quality in Dhaka was marked as ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ this morning (September 18, 2023), despite rain in parts of the capital last night. With an air quality index (AQI) score of 108 at 8:30 am, Dhaka ranked 8th on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality, according to IQAir. Read: Govt working to protect ozone layer: Shahab Uddin Dubai of the United Arab Emirates, Kuching of Malaysia and China's Shanghai occupied the first three spots on the list, with AQI scores of 158, 156 and 134, respectively. An AQI between 51 and 100 is considered 'moderate', AQI between 101 and 150 is considered ‘unhealthy', and between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants -- Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and Ozone. Read: UN Secretary General calls for enhanced global cooperation for clean air Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.

Dhaka's air quality was marked as 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' this morning (September 09, 2023). With an air quality index (AQI) score of 117 at 8:56 am, Dhaka ranked 8th on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality, according to IQAir. Kuwait's Kuwait City, Netherlands’ Rotterdam and Amsterdam occupied the first three spots on the list, with AQI scores of 174, 170 and 158, respectively. Thanks to rain, Dhaka's air quality 'moderate' this morning An AQI between 151 and 200 is considered ‘unhealthy’ while between 201–300 is ‘’very unhealthy’, and 301–400 is 'hazardous', posing severe health risks to residents. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and Ozone. Dhaka's air quality 'unhealthy' yet again Dhaka has long grappled with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in the winter and improves during the monsoon. Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections. Dhaka's air quality in the 'moderate' zone this morning

Dhaka's air quality was marked as 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' Tuesday (September 05, 2023) morning. With an air quality index (AQI) score of 145 at 8:45 am, Dhaka ranked 8th on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality, according to IQAir. Malaysia’s Kuching, China's Beijing, Indonesia's Jakarta and Kuwait's Kuwait City occupied the first four spots on the list, with AQI scores of 181, 175, 163 and 157, respectively. An AQI between 151 and 200 is considered ‘unhealthy’ while between 201–300 is ‘’very unhealthy’, and 301–400 is 'hazardous', posing severe health risks to residents. Read: Bangladeshis, Indians, Nepalis and Pakistanis expected to live 5 years less due to air pollution: AQLI In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and Ozone. Dhaka has long grappled with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in the winter and improves during the monsoon. Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections. Read: Urgent, coordinated actions needed to curb air pollution in South Asia: World Bank

Dhaka's air quality was marked as 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' this morning (September 04, 2023). With an air quality index (AQI) score of 129 at 8:45 am, Dhaka ranked 8th on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality, according to IQAir. Malaysia’s Kuching, Indonesia's Jakarta, Kuwait's Kuwait City and Qatar’s Doha occupied the first four spots on the list, with AQI scores of 174, 159, 154 and 153, respectively. Read: Lack of awareness a serious risk on pollution: CPD An AQI between 151 and 200 is considered ‘unhealthy’ while between 201–300 is ‘’very unhealthy’, and 301–400 is 'hazardous', posing severe health risks to residents. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and Ozone. Dhaka has long grappled with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in the winter and improves during the monsoon. Read: Urgent, coordinated actions needed to curb air pollution in South Asia: World Bank Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.

Dhaka’s air quality was ranked second worst in the world this morning (August 31, 2023). With an air quality index (AQI) score of 169 at 8:58 am, Dhaka’s air was categorised as ‘unhealthy’. Read more:Lack of awareness a serious risk on pollution: CPD An AQI between 101 and 200 is considered 'unhealthy', particularly for sensitive groups while an AQI between 201 and 300 is said to be ‘very unhealthy’. Indonesia’s Jakarta, Qatar’s Doha and India’s Kolkata occupied the first, third and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 175, 153 and 153, respectively. Read more: Air pollution: 7 vehicles, 6 brick kilns fined over Tk 20 lakh In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants -- Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and Ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. Read more: Urgent, coordinated actions needed to curb air pollution in South Asia: World Bank Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide. Breathing polluted air has long been recognised as increasing a person’s chances of developing a heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, lung infections and cancer, according to several studies. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections. Read more: Dhaka’s air pollution: HC asks what steps have been taken The worsening air quality of Dhaka city is threatening the health status and life of its residents.

Dhaka's air quality is ‘moderate’ this morning (July 6, 2023) as monsoon is fairly active in Bangladesh. With an air quality index (AQI) score of 64, the capital of Bangladesh ranked 27th in the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality at 8:30 am today. Delhi of India, Johannesburg of South Africa and Jakarta of Indonesia occupied the first three spots on the list, with AQI scores of 170, 157, and 159, respectively. Read: 5 children drown in Noakhali An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’ while an AQI between 50 and 100 is considered ‘moderate’ with an acceptable air quality. Meanwhile, an AQI between 101 and 200 is considered ‘unhealthy’, particularly for sensitive groups. Similarly, an AQI between 201 and 300 is said to be ‘poor’, while a reading of 301 to 400 is considered ‘hazardous’, posing serious health risks to residents. AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, is used by government agencies to inform people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. Read: Dhaka’s air quality ‘good’ this morning In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants – Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and Ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide. Breathing polluted air has long been recognised as increasing a person's chances of developing heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, lung infections and cancer, according to several studies. Read more: Bangladesh to get assistance on priority basis to deal with climate change impacts, natural disasters.: UN ASG Mami According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.

Dhaka's air quality is ‘good’ this morning (July 05, 2023) as monsoon is fairly active in Bangladesh.With an air quality index (AQI) score of 41, the capital of Bangladesh ranked 68th in the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality at 9 am today.South Africa’s Johannesburg, the United Arab Emirates’ Dubai and Indonesia’s Jakarta occupied the first three spots on the list, with AQI scores of 175, 154, and 151, respectively.An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’ while an AQI between 50 and 100 is considered ‘moderate’ with an acceptable air quality. Meanwhile, an AQI between 101 and 200 is considered ‘unhealthy’, particularly for sensitive groups. Dhaka's air quality ‘moderate’ thanks to less traffic on 4th day of Eid holidaysSimilarly, an AQI between 201 and 300 is said to be ‘poor’, while a reading of 301 to 400 is considered ‘hazardous’, posing serious health risks to residents.AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, is used by government agencies to inform people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. Rain, few vehicles on the street during Eid holidays make Dhaka air quality ‘moderate’In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants – Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and Ozone.Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide. Breathing polluted air has long been recognised as increasing a person's chances of developing heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, lung infections and cancer, according to several studies. With less traffic as Eid holidays begin, Dhaka's air quality 'moderate' this morningAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.

Dhaka has once again topped the list of cities with the worst air quality, with an AQI of 157 at 8:30 am today (June 11, 2023). The air was classified as 'unhealthy'. An AQI between 151 and 200 is considered 'unhealthy' while 201-300 is 'very unhealthy', and 301-400 is considered 'hazardous', posing severe health risks to residents. Read:Dhaka’s air quality 'unhealthy', 4th most polluted in the world this morning United Arab Emirates’ Dubai, Israel’s Tel Aviv and Vietnam’s Hanoi occupied the second, third and fourth spots in the list, with AQI scores of 156, 154 and 153, respectively. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Read:Dhaka’s air unhealthy for sensitive groups this morning Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections. Read more:Dhaka’s air 3rd most polluted in the world this morning