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The capital ranked fourth among the world’s most polluted cities this morning (6 August), recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 147 at 9:50am.
According to AQI standards, the air quality was classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” posing risks to children, the elderly, and people with heart or lung conditions, while the general population is less likely to be affected.
Portland (USA) topped the global list with an AQI of 168, followed by Kampala (Uganda) at 160 and Kinshasa (DR Congo) at 159.
An AQI reading between 101 and 150 is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” while 151–200 is “unhealthy,” 201–300 “very unhealthy,” and above 301 “hazardous.”
The AQI measures daily air quality based on key pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and ozone.
Dhaka has long struggled with severe air pollution, which typically worsens during winter due to dry conditions and improves in the monsoon season.
According to the World Health Organization, air pollution causes around seven million deaths globally each year, contributing to diseases such as stroke, heart disease, chronic respiratory illness and lung cancer.