Dhaka Faces Severe Air Quality Crisis as Winter Sets In

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has once again topped global rankings for the worst air quality, as the city grapples with hazardous levels of pollution during the winter season. On Wednesday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Dhaka was recorded at 254, categorizing it as 'very unhealthy' and posing serious health risks to its 22 million residents. This marks a recurring trend for Dhaka, which frequently ranks among the world's most polluted cities during the winter months, when cooler temperatures and stagnant air trap pollutants close to the ground.

According to the Department of Environment, the primary sources of air pollution in Dhaka include vehicular emissions, industrial smoke, construction dust, and the burning of solid waste. The city's rapid urbanization and lack of effective enforcement of environmental regulations have exacerbated the problem. Dr. Ayesha Rahman, an environmental scientist at the University of Dhaka, explained that the winter inversion layer prevents pollutants from dispersing, leading to a buildup of fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

The situation has prompted the Bangladesh government to take some measures, including the introduction of a ban on the use of high-sulfur fuels in industries and the promotion of cleaner brick kilns. However, critics argue that these steps are insufficient. The Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) has called for stricter enforcement of existing laws and the establishment of a real-time monitoring system across the city. 'Without a comprehensive action plan and political will, the health of millions will continue to suffer,' said BELA chairman Syeda Rizwana Hasan in a press statement.

Residents of Dhaka have expressed growing frustration. Rickshaw puller Mohammad Ali, who spends 12 hours a day on the streets, said he often experiences coughing and breathing difficulties. 'I cannot afford to stop working, but the air is killing me slowly,' he told local reporters. Schools have also been affected, with some institutions advising students to wear masks and limit outdoor activities. The Bangladesh Medical Association has reported a surge in patients with asthma, bronchitis, and other lung conditions in city hospitals.

Internationally, Dhaka's pollution crisis has drawn attention from organizations like the World Health Organization, which ranks Bangladesh as one of the most polluted countries globally. The issue also ties into broader regional concerns, as South Asia faces similar challenges in cities like Delhi and Lahore. Experts emphasize that cross-border cooperation is needed to address the transboundary nature of air pollution, which is influenced by factors such as agricultural burning in neighboring countries.

Looking ahead, the government has announced plans to expand the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in public transport and to phase out older, polluting vehicles. The Dhaka City Corporation is also working on a tree-planting initiative to improve air quality. Yet, environmentalists caution that these efforts will take years to yield results. In the meantime, residents are left to cope with the smog, relying on masks and air purifiers, which remain unaffordable for many.

As winter deepens, the air quality in Dhaka is expected to worsen before it improves. The city's struggle with pollution underscores the urgent need for sustainable urban planning and global action on climate change. For now, the people of Dhaka continue to breathe air that the World Health Organization describes as five times more polluted than the safe limit, a stark reminder of the environmental challenges facing Bangladesh and the world.