Implications of and Controls for Mega City Dhaka’s Air Pollution

Dr. Nasim Ahmed :

Dhaka is considered one of the most air-polluted cities in the world. Recent reports indicate Dhaka has consistently ranked among the cities with the poorest air quality.As of January 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM local time, Dhaka’s air quality was categorized as ‘Very Unhealthy’ with an Air Quality Index of 264.
The primary pollutant is fine particulate matter (PM2.5), measured at 189µg/m³, approximately 13 times higher in Dhaka than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual air quality guideline value(AQG). AQG states that annual average concentrations of PM2.5should not exceed 5 µg/m3, while 24-hour average exposures should not surpass 15 µg/m3 more than 3 – 4 days per year.The figure demonstrates the gravity of air pollution in Dhaka.
A combination of factors contributes to Dhaka’s air pollution as below:
Old and improperly maintained vehicles emit harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Moreover, traffic congestion exacerbates emissions as vehicles remain idle for extended periods.
Brick kilns around Dhaka are a significant source of particulate matter and black carbon, responsible for about 58 percent of air pollution. Many of these kilns operate with outdated technology.Factories, particularly textile and garment industries, release pollutants from burning fossil fuels like coal and diesel.
Rapid urban development generates large quantities of dust from construction sites, road building, and demolition activities.Dhaka’s high population density increases the demand for transportation, energy, and resources, contributing to air pollution.Furthermore, open burning of municipal waste, including plastics, releases toxic fumes and particulate matter into the air.
Burning biomass (e.g., wood, cow dung, and agricultural residues) for cooking in low-income households contributes to indoor and outdoor air pollution. The city has limited trees and vegetation to absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants, worsening air quality.
Air pollution in Dhaka has implications creating challenges across health, productivity, economic growth, and quality of life. Key effects include:
A World Bank report indicates that exposure to high levels of air pollution significantly increases the risk of respiratory issues, including breathing difficulties, coughs, and lower respiratory tract infections. Children under five years, the elderly, and people with comorbidities are most vulnerable.
Research from the Air Quality Life Index reveals that residents in Dhaka are on track to lose 8.1 years of life expectancy on average relative to the WHO’s guideline forPM2.5exposures.
A newspaper report says Air pollution was responsible for approximately 20% of premature deaths in Bangladesh, with urban areas like Dhaka and Chattogram accounting for 48% of these deaths.
Pollution-related illnesses increase medical expenses for individuals and the government, straining healthcare infrastructure. Furthermore, chronic exposure to polluted air reduces average life expectancy, impacting the workforce.
Children frequently fall ill due to air pollution, which leads to reduced school attendance and long-term impacts on education. Exposure to high levels of pollutants can also impair brain development in children, affecting their future productivity and earning potential.
Poor air quality reduces Dhaka’s appeal as a livable city, discouraging foreign investment and tourism.People seek to relocate to less polluted areas, increasing demand and costs in suburban or peri-urban regions.
Government agencies face challenges in balancing urban development with environmental protection.Poor air quality leads to dissatisfaction and distrust in governance, especially when pollution disrupts daily life and economic activities.
Bangladesh has implemented several policies, strategic planning,and regulatory measuresto address air pollution as below:
Air Pollution Control Rules 2022set national air quality standards aligned with WHO guidelines. They specify emission limits for key sectors and outline coordination mechanisms among relevant ministries to control household and outdoor air pollution.
National Air Quality Management Plan 2024–2030provides a comprehensive framework to tackle air pollution. It aims to strengthen air quality governance by updating monitoring and enforcement mechanisms and reducing emissions from major sources.
The National Action Plan for Reducing Short-Lived Climate Pollutants targets black carbon and methane. By 2030, it is expected to reduce black carbon emissions by 40% and methane emissions by 17%.
The Clean Air Bill was drafted to provide a robust legal framework for air quality management. It proposes stringent penalties, including up to 10 years of imprisonment or fines, for violations related to air pollution.
Controlling air pollution in Dhaka according to global standards requires implementing comprehensive, science-based, and sustainable measures. Drawing from best practices worldwide, the key strategies could be as follows:
Increase investment in solar, wind, and hydropower to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.Encourage industries to adopt energy-efficient technologies and reduce emissions—transitionhouseholds to clean cooking technologies, such as LPG or electric stoves.
Provide incentives for electric vehicles and establish charging infrastructure.Improve public transportation systems, such as buses and metro lines, to reduce the reliance on private cars. Designate areas where only low-emission or zero-emission vehicles are allowed.
Replace traditional kilns with less polluting technologies, like zigzag or hybrid Hoffmann kilns.Shifting heavy industries and factories away from urban centers and enforcing emission control technologies.
Enforce strict penalties for burning municipal and agricultural waste.Establish comprehensive recycling programs to minimize waste generation.Expand and modernize waste collection infrastructure.
Increase the number and coverage of Continuous Air Quality Monitoring Stations in Dhaka.Implement forecasting tools to alert citizens about hazardous air quality levels.Support studies on local pollution sources, impacts, and effective mitigation strategies.
Implementing success stories for example, Beijing implemented a five-year plan to reduce PM2.5 levels by closing polluting factories, introducing stringent vehicle emission standards, and banning coal use in urban areas. Delhi introduced odd-even vehicle schemes, improved public transport, and banned diesel generators during high-pollution periods.

(The author Dr. Nasim Ahmed (PhD in Public Policy, Ulster, UK) is Additional Secretary Public Security Division Ministry of Home Affairs)