Dhaka Faces Record Air Pollution as Authorities Implement Emergency Measures

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has been grappling with a severe air quality crisis in recent weeks, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently reaching hazardous levels. On Tuesday, the AQI in several parts of the city exceeded 300, categorizing the air as "very unhealthy" and posing significant health risks to its over 20 million residents. This surge has prompted the government to declare a public health emergency and implement a series of immediate measures to curb pollution sources.

The primary contributors to Dhaka's deteriorating air quality include vehicle emissions, industrial smoke from brick kilns, and construction dust. The Bangladesh Department of Environment reported that vehicular exhaust accounts for nearly 40% of the city's fine particulate matter (PM2.5), while brick kilns contribute another 30%. The remaining portion stems from construction activities, waste burning, and transboundary pollution from neighboring regions.

In response, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police have intensified traffic enforcement, particularly targeting vehicles that fail to meet emission standards. Additionally, the government has ordered the temporary closure of all brick kilns within a 50-kilometer radius of the city for the next two weeks. Construction sites have been instructed to install water sprinklers and cover debris to minimize dust dispersion. Schools in affected areas have been advised to remain closed until the air quality improves, with classes shifting to online platforms.

Health experts have raised alarms about the long-term consequences of prolonged exposure to such pollution. Dr. Farzana Rahman, a pulmonologist at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, noted a 25% increase in respiratory-related hospital admissions over the past month. "Children, elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions are most vulnerable. We are seeing more cases of asthma attacks, bronchitis, and eye irritation," she said. The World Health Organization has linked air pollution to an estimated 100,000 premature deaths annually in Bangladesh.

Internationally, Dhaka's pollution crisis has drawn attention from environmental organizations and neighboring countries. The United Nations Environment Programme has offered technical assistance to Bangladesh for long-term air quality monitoring and mitigation strategies. Meanwhile, India and China, which also experience severe pollution, have shared data and best practices through regional cooperation forums. However, critics argue that without stricter enforcement and cross-border collaboration, progress will remain limited.

Local residents have expressed frustration and fear. Rickshaw puller Md. Kamal Hossain, who works 12-hour shifts in the city's congested streets, said, "I can barely breathe sometimes, and my eyes burn constantly. I wear a mask, but it doesn't help much. I worry about my children's health." Community groups have been distributing free masks and organizing awareness campaigns to encourage the use of public transport and reduce waste burning.

The government has also announced a long-term plan to phase out older, polluting vehicles and promote electric mobility by 2030. A pilot program for electric rickshaws and buses is already underway in select areas. Environmentalists have welcomed these steps but emphasize the need for immediate action. "The situation is dire, but it is not irreversible. We need sustained political will, investment in clean energy, and public cooperation to make Dhaka breathable again," said Syeda Rizwana Hasan, a prominent environmental lawyer.

As winter approaches, meteorological conditions are expected to trap pollutants closer to the ground, potentially worsening the crisis. Authorities are urging citizens to limit outdoor activities, wear N95 masks, and use air purifiers indoors. The coming weeks will test the effectiveness of the emergency measures and the resilience of Dhaka's population in the face of one of its most pressing environmental challenges.