Dhaka’s toxic air poses serious health threat
NN Online:
Dhaka’s air quality continues to rank among the worst in the world, posing a grave threat to public health, according to health experts and environmental watchdogs.
Thick smog, dust, and airborne pollutants have become a daily reality for the city’s over 20 million residents. In recent months, Air Quality Index (AQI) readings in Dhaka have frequently exceeded 200—classified as “very unhealthy” by global standards.
“Air pollution in Dhaka is a silent killer,” said Dr. Kasedul Islam Nayan, a health expert told The New Nation. “We are seeing a sharp rise in asthma, bronchitis, lung infections, and even heart-related conditions, especially among children and the elderly.”
Construction dust, vehicle emissions, unregulated brick kilns, and industrial fumes are cited as the primary sources of pollution. The lack of green space and poor traffic management have only worsened the crisis.
A recent report by the Department of Environment (DoE) and the World Bank found that nearly 80% of the city’s particulate matter comes from man-made sources, and prolonged exposure to this toxic air can lead to reduced lung function, premature death, and long-term respiratory complications.
For many Dhaka residents, the symptoms are already visible. “My six-year-old son constantly has a cough and breathing problems,” said Rehana Begum, a resident of Mirpur. “The doctor said it’s because of the air.”
Students, daily workers, and commuters are among the worst affected. Schools are increasingly reporting respiratory issues among students, while rickshaw-pullers and traffic police suffer from chronic health conditions due to constant exposure.
Despite repeated warnings, concrete steps to curb pollution have been limited. While some older vehicles have been banned and plans for eco-friendly brick kilns proposed, enforcement remains weak.
Environmental groups are urging immediate government action, including stricter emissions control, improved public transport, and the expansion of green zones across the city.
“Clean air is a basic right, not a luxury,” said Aminul Islam, an activist with the Clean Dhaka Campaign. “If we continue down this path, we’re risking the health of an entire generation.”