Dhaka's Air Turns 'Unhealthy' Again This Morning

Dhaka Faces Severe Air Quality Crisis

On November 27, 2025, Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, ranked 16th on the list of cities with the worst air quality. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) score reached 144 at 9:50 am this morning, marking the air as 'unhealthy' according to the AQI index. This is a significant concern for residents, as it poses an alarming threat to public health.

The situation was even more severe yesterday, when the AQI score climbed to 205, classifying the air as 'very unhealthy'. The AQI scale provides a clear framework for understanding air quality levels. When the AQI value for particle pollution falls between 50 and 100, the air quality is considered 'moderate', with sensitive individuals advised to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Between 101 and 150, the air is deemed 'unhealthy for sensitive groups'. From 150 to 200, it becomes 'unhealthy', and between 201 and 300, it is labeled 'very unhealthy'. A reading of 301 or higher is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to the population.

India's Delhi, Pakistan's Lahore, and India's Kolkata occupied the top three positions on the list, with AQI scores of 493, 226, and 215 respectively. These figures highlight the severity of air pollution in South Asian cities, where industrial activity, vehicle emissions, and other factors contribute to deteriorating air quality.

The AQI serves as a vital tool for reporting daily air quality. It helps people understand how clean or polluted the air in a specific city is and what health effects they might experience. In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone.

Longstanding Air Pollution Challenges in Dhaka

Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution issues. Its air quality typically worsens during the winter months and improves during the monsoon season. However, the recent spike in AQI levels underscores the urgent need for effective measures to combat this growing problem.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for an estimated seven million deaths worldwide each year. The primary causes include increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections. These statistics emphasize the critical importance of addressing air quality concerns not only in Dhaka but across the globe.

Key Pollutants and Their Impact

Understanding the pollutants that contribute to poor air quality is essential for developing targeted solutions. Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) refers to tiny particles suspended in the air, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing severe health issues. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is primarily emitted from vehicles and industrial processes, while carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly in high concentrations.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is another harmful pollutant, often released from burning fossil fuels, and ozone (O3) is a gas that forms when pollutants react in the presence of sunlight. All these pollutants play a role in degrading air quality and endangering public health.

Steps Toward Improvement

Addressing air pollution requires a multifaceted approach, including stricter regulations on industrial emissions, promoting cleaner transportation options, and increasing public awareness about the health risks associated with poor air quality. Additionally, investing in renewable energy sources and improving waste management practices can significantly reduce the amount of pollutants released into the atmosphere.

As Dhaka continues to grapple with its air quality crisis, it is crucial for policymakers, communities, and individuals to work together to implement sustainable solutions. Only through collective effort can the city hope to improve its air quality and protect the health of its residents.