No escape from Dhaka's air pollution!

While celebration of the year 2026 began earlier in some countries like New Zealand and Australia, Dhaka began its journey into the New Year with the dubious tag of one of the most polluted cities in the world. Breathing outdoors now poses serious health risks due to the high levels of toxic particles present in the air. With continuation of some abject patterns of pollution that plague this city, Dhaka is expected to hold its hideous rank for many years to come.

The air quality is measured by the Air Quality Index (AQI). AQI measures key pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO?), sulphur dioxide (SO?), carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone. AQI under 50 is considered good, from 101 to 150 is considered unhealthy for sensitive people, above 150 is considered unhealthy for the general public, above 200 is considered very unhealthy and above 300 is considered hazardous. In late December, Dhaka had an AQI of 216, making it the third most air-polluted city in the world.

Experts have previously warned the authority about the spike in air pollution during the dry winter months, because, due to the atmospheric conditions, pollutants get trapped close to the ground. But according to recent studies, high levels of air pollution is not simply a seasonal issue but a consequence of decades of unchecked emissions from vehicles, industry, construction, brick kilns, waste burning and power generation.

Back in January 2025, Dhaka was considered very unhealthy according to the AQI, and had an average AQI higher than the average of the previous eight years of that month. Moreover, on one polluted day, the AQI of Dhaka exceeded 600, making it one of the worst AQI scores ever recorded. According to a 2014 report on ambient air pollution in Dhaka, brick kilns, dust from construction, and vehicle emissions are responsible for the majority of local air pollution. In recent years, the expansion of roads and increased traffic jams have also greatly contributed to the pollution. 

Air pollution has severe health consequences. As stated by the World Health Organization, due to air pollution, around seven million people around the globe die prematurely through strokes, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer and acute respiratory infections. Recent studies have also linked air pollution to many other health complications, such as cognitive decline and increased risk of neurological disorders. 

These consequences are experienced every day by the residents of Dhaka. During air-polluted months, schools may restrict outdoor activities. People with respiratory issues struggle to breathe. The demand for air purifiers is at an all-time high. Many people start wearing masks in an attempt to minimise the damage done by the environment, but these individual efforts only provide limited relief. 

The government has taken a few steps in the last decade to minimise air pollution, which include discontinuation of old brick kilns, restriction on the burning of solid waste, dust control at construction sites and removal of older vehicles. But these steps were not followed through properly, rendering them useless.

Minimising air pollution requires the government to take effective and thorough steps. Public transport should be modernised and the use of electric vehicles should be promoted. Industrial emissions should be minimised by enforcing strict laws to ensure the purification of waste. Companies that do not follow these laws should be heavily fined. Cleaner technologies must be used for brick kilns. Construction sites have to mandatorily take effective dust suppression measures. Data-backed policies must be in place, and regular monitoring should be ensured. Laws should be in place to require companies to have transparent emission reports so that the authorities can take the necessary steps. Finally, public awareness campaigns can help people understand the risks of air pollution and take necessary steps on their own.

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