Dhaka Grapples with Air Quality Crisis as Winter Smog Worsens

2026-05-28

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, continues to face a severe air quality crisis as the winter season deepens, with the city consistently ranking among the most polluted in the world. According to the Air Quality Index (AQI) monitored by international environmental agencies, Dhaka's AQI readings have frequently exceeded

The primary sources of this pollution are a mix of vehicular emissions, industrial discharge, construction dust, and the burning of brick kilns, which intensify during the dry winter months. The lack of rainfall allows pollutants to accumulate in the atmosphere, creating a thick, toxic smog that reduces visibility and exacerbates respiratory illnesses. Hospitals across the city have reported a noticeable uptick in patients suffering from asthma, bronchitis, and other lung-related conditions, with children and the elderly being the most vulnerable.

Local environmental groups have been vocal in urging the government to take immediate and long-term action. "This is not a new problem," said Dr. Shahriar Hossain, an environmental scientist at the University of Dhaka. "Every winter, we see the same pattern. But the situation is getting worse because enforcement of existing regulations is weak. We need strict controls on brick kilns, better public transport, and a shift to cleaner energy sources." The Bangladesh government has acknowledged the issue and implemented measures such as closing down illegal brick kilns and promoting the use of compressed natural gas in vehicles. However, critics argue that these efforts are insufficient and poorly enforced.

From an international perspective, Dhaka's air pollution is part of a broader crisis affecting South Asia. The World Health Organization has identified the region as having some of the worst air quality globally, with cities like Delhi, Lahore, and Kathmandu facing similar challenges. Transboundary pollution also plays a role, as dust and emissions from neighboring countries can drift across borders. This has led to calls for regional cooperation, with experts suggesting that a coordinated approach involving Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and other affected nations could yield better results.

For ordinary residents, the daily struggle is real. Rickshaw puller Md. Kamal, who works on the streets of Old Dhaka, described his experience: "The air is so thick that it burns my eyes and throat. I have to wear a mask, but it gets uncomfortable after a few hours. Many of my colleagues have fallen sick, but we cannot afford to take days off." The government has distributed masks in some areas and issued health advisories, but access to clean air remains a luxury for many.

The economic impact is also significant. A 2023 study by the World Bank estimated that air pollution costs Bangladesh approximately 8% of its GDP annually due to healthcare expenses and lost productivity. Tourism, a growing sector, is also affected, as visitors are often deterred by the hazardous conditions. In response, the Dhaka City Corporation has launched a tree-planting initiative and plans to expand green spaces, but such measures will take years to show tangible results.

As the winter season progresses, residents are bracing for further deterioration. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast continued dry weather, meaning the smog is likely to persist until the onset of the monsoon in June. In the meantime, health experts recommend staying indoors as much as possible, using air purifiers, and wearing N95 masks when venturing outside. The crisis in Dhaka serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable urban development and environmental stewardship, not just in Bangladesh but across the globe.