Dhaka has once again found itself among the world’s most polluted cities, ranking fifth on the global Air Quality Index (AQI) on Tuesday morning.
According to Swiss-based air quality monitoring organization IQAir, the capital city of Bangladesh recorded an AQI score of 143 at 6:00 AM on June 10-categorized as “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
India’s capital, New Delhi, topped the list with an AQI of 176, followed by Amsterdam in the Netherlands with 158. Kolkata took the third spot with 153, while Santiago, Chile, came fourth with 151.
IQAir classifies air quality based on AQI scores:
0–50: Good
51–100: Moderate
101–150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups
151–200: Unhealthy
201–300: Very unhealthy
301 and above: Hazardous
With its AQI of 143, Dhaka’s air poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, particularly children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The city’s persistent pollution is driven by factors such as unregulated construction, industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, and seasonal changes.
Environmental experts warn that unless sustainable urban policies and stricter regulations are enforced, Dhaka and other South Asian cities will continue to suffer from hazardous air quality. The latest rankings highlight the need for immediate regional cooperation to address this escalating public health crisis.
Leave a Reply