Dhaka’s air remains ‘unhealthy’ despite rain

Dhaka’s air quality remained unhealthy despite rainfall in parts of the capital, highlighting the city’s persistent air-pollution problem.

Rain generally helps wash pollutants and fine particulate matter from the atmosphere.

However, Dhaka can continue to experience unhealthy air when pollution from vehicles, construction, road dust and other sources remains high.

Recent reports have similarly recorded unhealthy air quality in the capital despite rainfall.

Air quality is assessed using the Air Quality Index (AQI), which takes into account pollutants including PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and ozone.

An AQI between 151 and 200 is classified as “unhealthy”, while higher levels pose progressively greater health risks.

The persistence of pollution despite rain underscores the need for stronger measures to control emissions, construction dust and other major sources of air pollution in Dhaka.