Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, has been ranked 28th on the list of cities with the worst air quality, registering an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 68 at 9 am on Wednesday.

According to the AQI index, Dhaka’s air was classified as ‘moderate,’ indicating a light health risk. Air quality is considered ‘moderate’ when particle pollution levels fall between 50 and 100, and sensitive individuals are advised to limit prolonged outdoor activities. Higher ranges include ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ (101–150), ‘unhealthy’ (151–200), ‘very unhealthy’ (201–300), and ‘hazardous’ (301+).

Globally, Indonesia’s Jakarta, Iraq’s Baghdad, and the UAE’s Dubai topped the list with AQI scores of 177, 166, and 158, respectively.

The AQI, which reports daily air quality, helps residents understand pollution levels and potential health effects. Bangladesh’s AQI considers five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone.

Dhaka faces chronic air pollution, particularly in winter, with levels improving during the monsoon season. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes approximately seven million deaths globally each year, mainly from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

MN/