Dhaka Faces Worsening Air Quality Crisis as Winter Approaches

Residents of Dhaka are bracing for another severe air quality crisis as the winter season sets in, with the city already recording hazardous levels of particulate matter this week. Data from the Air Quality Index (AQI) showed Dhaka ranking among the most polluted cities globally on Thursday, with an AQI score of 298, categorized as 'very unhealthy.' The primary pollutant, PM2.5, reached concentrations more than 10 times the World Health Organization's safe guideline.

Environmental experts attribute the spike to a combination of factors, including increased vehicle emissions, construction dust, and the burning of bricks in kilns around the capital. The lack of rainfall and cooler temperatures during winter trap pollutants close to the ground, exacerbating the problem. Dr. Shahriar Hossain, an environmental scientist at Dhaka University, warned that prolonged exposure could lead to respiratory illnesses, particularly among children and the elderly. 'We are seeing a predictable but dangerous pattern,' he said. 'Without stricter enforcement of emission standards and a shift to cleaner energy, the situation will only worsen.'

The government has acknowledged the crisis but faces challenges in implementation. The Department of Environment (DoE) announced a series of measures, including mobile court drives against illegal brick kilns and random vehicle checks. However, activists argue that these efforts are insufficient. 'The real issue is the lack of political will to tackle industrial pollution and urban planning failures,' said Rizwana Hasan, a prominent environmental lawyer. She called for a comprehensive action plan that includes expanding green spaces and promoting public transport.

For ordinary Dhaka residents, the impact is immediate. Shopkeeper Abdul Karim, 52, who works in the bustling Motijheel area, said he has developed a persistent cough over the past month. 'I cannot afford to wear a mask all day, but the air makes it hard to breathe,' he said. Many schools have advised parents to keep children indoors during peak hours, and sales of air purifiers have surged in the city.

Internationally, Dhaka's air quality crisis highlights a broader challenge facing South Asian megacities. Similar conditions are reported in Delhi, Lahore, and Kathmandu, where rapid urbanization and industrial growth outpace environmental safeguards. The World Bank has estimated that air pollution costs Bangladesh over $4 billion annually in healthcare and lost productivity. In response, the Bangladesh government has partnered with the World Health Organization to launch a five-year plan to reduce emissions from key sectors.

Despite these efforts, experts stress that immediate action is needed to prevent a public health emergency. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department forecasts dry weather for the next two weeks, meaning the AQI is likely to remain elevated. Citizens are urged to limit outdoor activities, use N95 masks, and install air filters at home. As the winter deepens, Dhaka's struggle for clean air continues, with no quick fix in sight.