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- Air pollution in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Problems
Dhaka chokes on air pollution
In 2020, Dhaka, Bangladesh ranked as the second most polluted capital city in the world. Its nearly 22 million residents were exposed to an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 77.1 µg/m3, more than 7 times the World Health Organization's (WHO) average annual safer air target of 10 µg/m3. Dhaka's chronically polluted skies are a serious public health problem. The WHO estimates that about 108,000 Bangladeshis die each year from air pollution, while countless others suffer from diseases associated with long-term exposure.
Importance of PM2.5
PM2.5 or particulate matter of 2.5 micrometers or less describes a mixture of microscopic solid and liquid particles, including: ● smoke or soot ● dust ● dirt ● wind-blown salt ● chemicals ● pathogens PM2.5 is often seen as the most dangerous air pollutant of all. Because of its microscopic size, it can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, PM2.5 can affect several organs and cause several diseases, including: ● asthma ● chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ● respiratory infections ● stroke ● acute cardiovascular disease ● death
Sources of PM2.5 emissions
Dhaka is the third fastest-growing metropolis in the world. On average, 536,000 new residents move to the city each year, usually migrating from rural areas in search of better jobs. Much of the city's PM2.5 emissions are due to rapid population growth, as brick kilns and dust from construction sites account for 73% of PM2.5 citywide. Automobiles are the next largest source, accounting for 10.4 percent of total PM2.5 emissions, followed by lead, biomass burning, and sea salt. Brick kilns are the largest source of PM2.5 pollution in Dhaka, Bangladesh. There are more than 2,000 kilns in the capital city that burn coal to make bricks for new construction. Many operate illegally. Dust is the second leading cause of pollution in the capital city of PM2.5. Bangladesh, located in the river delta, is built on sand and fine sediment, which is easily lifted and resuspended, especially during construction, when the land is broken for new construction. The construction of the Dhaka metro rail project and the elevated expressway project are expected to be major sources of dust resuspension in the coming years. In Dhaka, fossil fuel vehicles are the third largest source of PM2.5, accounting for 10.4% of all PM2.5 emissions.
Seasonal air pollution in Dhaka
Dhaka has strong seasonal variations in air quality. Bangladesh has one rainy season, from mid-April to mid-October, and one dry season. During the rainy season, heavy rains fall all over the country. Almost every year, rivers, canals, wetlands, low-lying areas, and sometimes megacities like Dhaka and Chittagong flood. Wind speeds during this time are higher than during the dry season. Pollutants, especially particulate matter, are washed out of the air by rain, improving air quality. December through March are the most polluted months of the year, often with PM2.5 concentrations more than six times higher than during the summer months. Increased pollution in winter is the result of both increased emissions and weather conditions that prevent pollution from spreading. Other causes of increased PM2.5 emissions in winter include: ● Soil erosion due to tillage and less frequent rainfall during the winter dry season ● Seasonal operation of 1,000 brick kilns as construction picks up during the cooler and drier winter months ● Road and soil dust emissions from increased construction activity Winter weather conditions that allow contaminated particles to accumulate and linger include: ● Low wind speeds ● Infrequent rainfall, which usually helps coagulate or reduce PM2.5 and other pollutants ● Transboundary air pollution from India to Dhaka through the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) corridor ● Temperature inversions that trap air pollutants near the ground and prevent normal dispersion
Gallery
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Timelines
2025
May 18
Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital, ranked 9th on the list of the world's most polluted cities in terms of air pollution. According to IQAir, an air quality monitoring organization, Dhaka's air quality today is unhealthy for sensitive groups. As of 07:55 AM Bangladesh Standard Time on Sunday (May 18), Dhaka had an AQI score of 119, ranking it 9th on the list of the world's most polluted cities.
March
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is currently experiencing critically alarming levels of air pollution, with its Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 200, indicating hazardous conditions. Factors contributing to Dhaka's deteriorating air given the impacts of major development projects, including the Metro Rail, Elevated Expressway, and International Airport Terminal 3, on the city’s air quality. Comparative assessments of AQI before and after the completion of these projects reveal a significant worsening of air quality, attributed to increased construction activity and subsequent urbanization. The rapid expansion of impervious surfaces is identified as another critical factor exacerbating the AQI.
2024
Dhaka ranked as the third most polluted capital in 2024, with an average PM2.5 level of 78 µg/m³. New Delhi recorded the highest level at 91.6 µg/m³, followed closely by Chad’s capital, N'Djamena, at 91.8 µg/m³. The fourth and fifth spots were occupied by Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (58.2 µg/m³), and Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan (52.4 µg/m³), respectively.
2023
October 19
The amount of dust in the Gabtali area is increasing alarmingly even though the weather has just started to dry up. The ongoing development work in many parts of the Sadarghat-Gabatli road is worsening the situation. The dust is so thick that it darkens the road and forces vehicles to use their headlights, even during the day. Although there are laws in place to regularly sprinkle water in under-construction areas, they are not obeyed in most areas. According to IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company, Dhaka had an air quality index (AQI) of 170, making it the most polluted city in the world. Even on holidays, Dhaka's AQI is typically over 200, which is considered to be "very unhealthy" air quality. In this year's forecast, IQAir says, Dhaka's air quality will worsen further with the onset of winter. This is because the drop in temperature will lead to an increase in the amount of pollutants in the air.
March 02
Dhaka has suffered from record levels of air pollution, topping the list of the most polluted cities on the planet. With an air quality index (AQI) of 297, the densely populated city once again took first place in the list of cities with the worst air, which is in the "very unhealthy" category - very close to becoming "dangerous". The Center for Air Pollution Research (CAPS) at Stamford University has been conducting regular air quality assessments in Dhaka for the past seven years and provides data for the AQI index maintained by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, founder and chairman of CAPS, said: “Air pollution in Dhaka is on the rise due to ongoing construction work and uncontrolled road digging. Waste incineration has also become a major source of air pollution, which is gradually turning the city's air from harmful to very harmful levels." “The main sources of air pollution are vehicles that have no fitness and brickfields. Air pollution is killing city dwellers. Life expectancy is shrinking, directly depriving us of our basic rights,” said Gholam Sarwar, an environmentalist and associate professor at the Faculty of Law at the University of Dhaka.
January
Air pollution in Dhaka has increased by about 27% compared to last year, according to CAPS data. The average AQI in Dhaka was 281. 20 days were marked as very unhealthy air conditions.
2022
March 29
The Department of Justice is currently reviewing draft Clean Air Rules under the Environmental Protection Act of 1995. After verification, the rule will come into effect through an official notification. A National Executive Council (NEC) will be formed. The 26-member board will have the authority to advise, instruct and recommend ministries, departments, organizations, institutions, and individuals to control air pollution. The NEC may recommend restrictions on outdoor movement, and the closure of industries, schools, and colleges in individual cities, regions, and towns due to air pollution levels.
2021
April 23
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought renewed attention to the health effects of PM2.5 pollution. According to some estimates, the first months of 2021 were the most contaminated months on record. At the same time, Dhaka recorded the highest number of COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic began, despite the rollout of vaccinations across the country. COVID-19, a respiratory disease, disproportionately affects populations exposed to long-term air pollution.
2020
February 20
The High Court ordered the city corporations, Wasa, and their associated organizations to clean the roads, footpaths, and flyovers to keep them free of dust as it contributes to air pollution. In addition to this, the court also ordered the formation of an expert committee comprising Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Chief Executive Officer Mostafizur Rahman, DNCC Director General Dr. Abdul Hai, and a doctor from the Directorate General of Health (DGHS) to investigate the cause of air and dust pollution in Bangladesh.
2018
February 05
According to US Air Quality Index (AQI) report, Bangladesh ranked second on the list of cities with the worst air quality. Dhaka scored 242, indicating very unhealthy air quality. Exposure to polluted air is a major environmental threat to human health. Specific emissions mainly cause increased mortality and respiratory problems among the urban population.
January 07
The air pollution level in Dhaka was 330 on the Air Quality Index (AQI) maintained by the Bangladesh Department of Environment (DoE), which classified the air quality in the capital city as "extremely unhealthy." The air quality was "extremely unhealthy" for four consecutive days. Every day from January 7 to 10, air pollution levels in Dhaka increased. On January 7, the air quality in the capital city was 330 according to the AQI. The next day it was 341 points, on January 9 it was 355 points, and on January 10 it was 372 points.