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Dhaka’s air quality remained in the “moderate” category on Friday morning, ranking 14th among cities with the worst air pollution worldwide. According to air quality monitoring platform IQAir, the capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 97 at 9:35am.
At the same time, Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, topped the global list with an AQI score of 159, followed by Pakistan’s Lahore with 157 and Indonesia’s Jakarta with 152.
An AQI score between 51 and 100 is considered “moderate,” meaning air quality is generally acceptable. However, unusually sensitive individuals may experience minor health effects from prolonged exposure to certain pollutants.
An AQI reading between 101 and 150 is classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” while a score of 151 to 200 is considered “unhealthy.” Readings between 201 and 300 are deemed “very unhealthy,” and any level above 301 is classified as “hazardous,” posing serious health risks to the general population.
In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated based on concentrations of five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and ground-level ozone.
Dhaka has long struggled with poor air quality, particularly during the dry winter months when dust, emissions and reduced rainfall contribute to higher pollution levels. Air quality typically improves during the monsoon season as rainfall helps wash pollutants from the atmosphere.
Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to polluted air can increase the risk of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, stroke and other serious health conditions. Children, older adults and people with pre-existing medical conditions are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution.