Dhaka 26 September, 2026

Dhaka's Air Pollution Reaches Alarming Level, Authority Issues Warning

Rtv News

Publish : 23 Jan 2025, 01:28 PM

Air pollution continues to rise globally, posing significant health risks. Among the hardest-hit regions, Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, faces a dire situation with critically high pollution levels. The Department of Environment has issued a warning, urging residents to take precautions as efforts to improve air quality remain insufficient.

Winter Season Worsens Pollution Crisis
Experts point to the dry winter season as a key factor aggravating the situation. Meteorologist Md Tariqul Newaz Kabir explained, "Reduced rainfall during winter allows airborne dust and smoke to accumulate, leading to a sharp decline in air quality. Immediate measures and greater public awareness are essential to mitigate this issue.”

Dhaka consistently ranks among the most polluted cities in the world. This year's dry season has pushed air quality to dangerously low levels, raising health concerns for millions of residents.

No Progress Over Seven Years
Despite various initiatives, air pollution levels in Dhaka have shown no significant improvement over the past seven years. The national standard for annual average air pollution is set at 35, yet Dhaka's annual average consistently surpasses 80. In 2024, the average pollution level reached 83.9, further exacerbating public alarm.

To address the crisis, the government has introduced the National Air Quality Management Plan 2024–2030, which includes measures like closing brick kilns, a major source of pollution during winter.

Deputy Director of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Mohammad Abdul Motalib, noted, "Activities such as burning materials and the operation of brick kilns intensify air pollution in winter. These are critical areas of focus in the new management plan."

Dhaka Among the World's Most Polluted Cities
According to IQAir, on Thursday, January 23, Dhaka ranked fifth on the global list of most polluted cities, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 223. Alarmingly, AQI levels in Dhaka and surrounding areas surpassed 300 on Wednesday morning, January 22, indicating extremely hazardous air conditions.

While the government's air quality management plan aims to reduce pollution, experts stress the need for swift and comprehensive action to protect public health and the environment.

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