Mar 06 (V7N) - Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 157 on March 6, 2025, ranking it sixth among cities with the worst air pollution globally. The air quality is classified as "unhealthy," posing health risks to residents. The top five cities with worse air quality are Lahore, Pakistan (AQI 176), Wroclaw, Poland (AQI 171), Jakarta, Indonesia (AQI 170), New Delhi, India (AQI 165), and Beijing, China (AQI 160).

Dhaka's poor air quality is attributed to five major pollutants: particulate matter (PM2.5 & PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3). The city experiences peak pollution during winter due to increased dust, industrial emissions, and vehicle exhaust, with conditions improving during the monsoon season.

The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that air pollution causes approximately 7 million deaths annually due to conditions like stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and acute respiratory infections. Experts recommend immediate measures to reduce emissions, control construction dust, enforce stricter vehicle regulations, and increase green spaces to improve Dhaka's air quality.

The ongoing struggle with air pollution in Dhaka underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate its effects. This includes enhancing urban greenery, implementing stricter regulations on industrial and vehicular emissions, and promoting sustainable practices to reduce pollution levels and protect public health.

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