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Dhaka Ranks Second Among Cities with Worst Air Pollution
Rtv News
30 Jan 2025, 12:21
Photo: File Picture
For years, residents of Dhaka have faced severe health risks due to worsening air pollution. With the onset of winter, cases of respiratory diseases have surged in hospitals across the city, primarily due to hazardous air quality. Throughout both December and January, Dhaka's air has remained dangerously polluted.
According to the international air quality monitoring organization IQAir, Dhaka recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 245 at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday (January 28), which is considered very unhealthy. This places Dhaka second among the cities with the world's worst air quality.
Delhi, India, currently ranks first, with an AQI score of 392, marking its air as hazardous, consistent with the previous day’s readings.
Understanding AQI Scores
- AQI score 0-50: Considered good
- AQI score 51-100: Moderate
- AQI score 101-150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups
- AQI score 151-200: Unhealthy
- AQI score 201-300: Very unhealthy – At this stage, children, the elderly, and individuals with health conditions are advised to stay indoors, and others should limit outdoor activities.
- AQI score 301-400: Hazardous – Poses serious health risks for city residents.
Causes of Air Pollution in Bangladesh
- Bangladesh determines AQI levels based on five major pollutants:
- Particulate Matter (PM10 & PM2.5)
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)
- Ozone (O₃)
Among these, PM2.5 particles pose the greatest health risk. These microscopic solid and liquid particles remain suspended in the air and can cause serious illnesses, including fatal cancers and heart disease.
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) pollution originates primarily from old vehicles, power plants, industrial emissions, household cooking, and fuel combustion.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution causes nearly 7 million deaths yearly worldwide.
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Dense Fog Engulfs Dhaka; Vehicles Use Headlights
Dhaka is shrouded in dense fog, forcing vehicles to use headlights even during the day. The cold winds have intensified the chill, while the sun remains hidden despite the advancing day.
Visibility was significantly reduced from early morning, disrupting daily activities and traffic movement.
Areas like Karwan Bazar, Tejgaon, Mohakhali, Uttara, Airport, and Khilkhet were heavily affected, with moderate to dense fog observed across the city.
Objects at a distance were hard to see, and although the fog eased slightly later in the day, the cold felt sharper than usual.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department’s forecast at 7 AM predicted moderate to dense fog over Dhaka and surrounding areas for the next six hours, with northwesterly winds at 6–12 km/h and partly cloudy skies.
Nationwide, dense fog is expected to intensify the winter chill during the day, potentially disrupting air, river, and road transportation.
Temperature Drops to 8°C in Panchagarh, Disrupting Daily Life
Panchagarh is experiencing a biting cold as the temperature plummeted to 8°C, severely impacting daily life. The chill is particularly harsh at night, compounded by dense fog that has slowed nighttime traffic. The cold wind has added to the hardships faced by the residents.
On Friday morning (January 3), the temperature was recorded at 8.3°C at 9 am, having dropped slightly from 8.5°C at 6 am. In comparison, the previous day (January 2) saw a relatively higher temperature of 11.3°C at 9 am.
Jitendra Nath Roy, the Acting Assistant Officer at Tetulia's First-Class Weather Observation Center, confirmed the data.
The intense cold has also led to a rise in cold-related illnesses. Hospitals across the district and sub-districts are seeing an influx of patients suffering from fever, colds, diarrhoea, pneumonia, and other ailments.
Jitendra Nath further reported that Tetulia experienced 100% humidity on Friday morning, with wind speeds reaching 12–13 kilometres per hour, intensifying the cold.
Residents are urged to take necessary precautions to stay warm and protect themselves from illnesses during this harsh weather.
Temperature Drops to 9°C in Panchagarh
On Saturday, January 4, at 6 a.m., the temperature in Tetulia, Panchagarh, was recorded at 9.8°C, with 99% humidity in the air.
Confirming the information, Jitendra Nath Roy, Assistant Officer at the first-class Meteorological Office in Tetulia, told the media that the proximity to the Himalayan Mountains and the cold winds blowing from the northwest are causing severe cold in the Tetulia region. The lowest temperature of 9.8°C was recorded at 6 a.m. today, along with 99% air humidity.
He further mentioned that the mild cold wave caused by the icy winds from the north continues in the district. Additionally, fog has been appearing in the mornings and after dusk for the past few days. The temperature may drop further in the coming days.
32 Bhori of Stolen Gold Recovered, 2 Arrested
Police have arrested two suspects linked to the theft of 40 Bhori of gold from a residential locker in Adabor, Mohammadpur, Dhaka. Authorities have recovered 32 Bhori of the stolen gold, though the identities of the arrested individuals remain undisclosed.
The looting incident occurred late Friday night (January 3) at a house on Road No. 16 in Adabor.
The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Adabor Police Station confirmed the arrests on Saturday (January 4).
He stated that 32 Bhori of gold has been recovered, and two individuals have been detained in connection with the case.
He also stated that efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining gold and further investigate the incident.
Drug Smuggler Killed in Gunfight with Coast Guard Near Teknaf
A gunfight occurred between the Coast Guard and drug smugglers on Friday night (January 3) in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar. One drug smuggler was reportedly killed in the incident. Additionally, 16 individuals involved in drug trafficking and robbery were detained, along with the seizure of weapons.
On Saturday (January 4), the incident was confirmed by Mohammad Jalal Uddin, Contingent Commander of the Coast Guard Teknaf Station.
During the operation, three firearms and 10,000 Yaba tablets were recovered. The gunfight took place early Saturday near the Naf River estuary close to Shah Pori's Island in the Sabrang Union. The deceased, Mosleh Uddin (35), was a resident of Charfashion in Bhola district.
The Coast Guard has not disclosed the identities of the detainees. Among them, 11 are Bangladeshi nationals, and five are Rohingyas.
Commander Jalal Uddin stated that early in the morning, Coast Guard members spotted a trawler arriving from Myanmar near the Naf River estuary. When instructed to stop, the individuals on the trawler opened fire at the Coast Guard members, who retaliated in self-defense. One drug smuggler was killed during the gunfight. The trawler was later intercepted, and 16 individuals were detained. Three homemade firearms, three bullets, and 10,000 Yaba tablets were seized. The body was handed over to Teknaf Police Station.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Teknaf Model Police Station, Mohammad Gias Uddin, said the body of the deceased drug smuggler was sent to the morgue at Cox's Bazar Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Dhaka's Air is 'Hazardous' Today, Caution Advised
Air pollution in the capital continues to rise. Especially during the winter season, the level of pollution increases significantly, often placing Dhaka at the top of the list of polluted cities. This winter is no exception, as Dhaka once again ranks at the top of the world's most polluted cities.
On Sunday, January 5, at 8:05 am, the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded a score of 422 for Dhaka. This level of air quality is categorized as 'hazardous' or 'risky.'
Following Dhaka, Baghdad in Iraq holds the second position with an AQI score of 228, Hanoi in Vietnam ranks third with a score of 223, and Delhi in India is in fourth place with a score of 204.
According to the data, an AQI score from 0 to 50 is considered good. Scores from 51 to 100 are deemed moderate, while scores between 101 and 150 are unhealthy for sensitive groups. Scores from 151 to 200 are considered unhealthy, 201 to 300 are very unhealthy, and any score above 301 is categorized as 'hazardous' or 'risky.'
Air pollution poses a serious health risk, affecting people of all ages. However, it is particularly harmful to children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
Experts attribute Dhaka's air pollution to brick kilns, vehicle emissions, and dust from construction sites. The consequences of air pollution include increased risks of respiratory problems, coughing, lower respiratory infections, and depression.
Notably, IQ Air, a Switzerland-based air quality monitoring technology company, publishes this list of polluted cities. The AQI score, prepared daily, informs the public about the cleanliness or pollution level of a city's air and the potential health risks they might face.
Cold Weather in Dhaka to Intensify from January 9
There has been a noticeable intense fog and cold in Dhaka for several days. However, on Saturday, the sun made an appearance, and today, with the sun shining, the temperature has increased. The cold weather in Dhaka will intensify again from January 9.
Meteorologist Abdur Rahman shared this update on Sunday (January 5).
He mentioned that the warmth currently being felt in Dhaka at the end of Poush will continue for the next two to three days. The temperature will rise slightly until January 8. After that, starting from January 9, the temperature will drop, and the cold feeling will increase again.
Regarding the possibility of a cold wave, Abdur Rahman said, "Currently, there is no chance of a cold wave. However, after January 9, a cold wave may affect a few parts of the country."
On Saturday, the lowest temperature recorded in Dhaka was 13°C, which rose to 15°C on the following morning.
According to the weather department's 24-hour forecast, from Sunday morning (9 am), the weather will remain dry with partly cloudy skies nationwide. Moderate to dense fog may form overnight and persist into the morning in some areas, lingering until noon. During this period, daytime and nighttime temperatures across the country are expected to rise slightly.
