Dhaka Grapples with Severe Air Pollution as Winter Sets In

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has once again topped global rankings for the worst air quality as the winter season deepens, raising urgent health concerns for its 20 million residents. According to data from the Air Quality Index (AQI) on Wednesday morning, Dhaka recorded an AQI score of 254, categorizing the air as 'very unhealthy' and posing significant risks to sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.

The persistent pollution is driven by a combination of factors: vehicle emissions, industrial smoke from brick kilns around the city, construction dust, and the burning of waste in low-income neighborhoods. During winter, cooler temperatures trap pollutants closer to the ground, exacerbating the problem. Local environmental groups have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of existing regulations, but progress remains slow.

'Every winter, we see this spike, and every year, the government promises action, but nothing changes,' said Mohammad Ali, a resident of the densely populated Mirpur area. 'My son has asthma, and we have to keep him indoors most days. It’s a crisis.'

In response, the Department of Environment (DoE) announced a renewed crackdown on brick kilns operating without proper pollution controls. DoE Director General Dr. Md. Ashraf Uddin stated in a press briefing that mobile courts have been deployed to shut down illegal kilns and fine violators. 'We are committed to reducing emissions. This year, we have already closed over 200 kilns in the Dhaka division,' he said. However, critics argue that enforcement is sporadic and that powerful industrial lobbies often evade penalties.

The health impact is stark. The World Health Organization estimates that air pollution contributes to over 100,000 premature deaths annually in Bangladesh, with Dhaka being the epicenter. Hospitals report a surge in patients with respiratory infections, eye irritation, and cardiovascular issues during the winter months. Dr. Sultana Razia, a pulmonologist at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, noted, 'We are seeing a 30% increase in emergency cases related to air pollution. Many patients cannot afford masks or air purifiers, making them more vulnerable.'

Internationally, the issue resonates with other megacities facing similar challenges, such as Delhi and Beijing. Climate experts point out that South Asia’s air pollution crisis is not isolated but linked to regional weather patterns and economic development. The United Nations Environment Programme has urged countries to collaborate on transboundary solutions, as pollutants often travel across borders.

On the ground, some residents are taking individual measures. Sales of N95 masks and indoor air purifiers have spiked, though they remain unaffordable for many. Community initiatives, like tree planting drives and car-free days, have gained limited traction. Meanwhile, the government has promoted a shift to compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles and is investing in metro rail to reduce traffic congestion, but these are long-term projects.

As the winter continues, Dhaka’s air quality is expected to worsen before improving with the arrival of rain in March. For now, citizens like Fatima Begum, a street vendor, have little choice but to endure. 'I have to work to feed my family. I cover my face with a scarf, but it doesn’t help much,' she said. 'We need real solutions, not just promises.'

The crisis underscores a broader challenge for Bangladesh: balancing rapid urbanization and economic growth with environmental sustainability. Until stricter regulations are enforced and public awareness increases, Dhaka’s winter haze will remain a deadly annual reality.