Dhaka, the overcrowded capital of Bangladesh, ranked third on the list of cities with the worst air quality on Friday morning (October 10, 2025), recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 163 at 9:30am.

According to the AQI index, Dhaka’s air was classified as “unhealthy,” posing potential health risks for residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions.

Pakistan’s Lahore topped the list with an AQI score of 183, followed by India’s Kolkata at 179, while Iraq’s Baghdad came fourth with a score of 162.

An AQI value between 151 and 200 is considered “unhealthy,” meaning everyone may experience adverse health effects, while sensitive groups may face more serious risks.

The AQI measures air pollution levels based on five pollutants — particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone (O₃).

Dhaka has long been struggling with severe air pollution, particularly during the dry winter months, though conditions tend to improve during the monsoon season.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for an estimated seven million deaths globally each year, primarily from heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory infections.

MN/