Nafew Sajed Joy:

EVERY breath we take should sustain life, yet for millions in Bangladesh, especially in Dhaka, each breath comes with an invisible threat — air pollution. This silent crisis has woven itself into the fabric of daily life, quietly taking its toll on health, the environment, and livelihoods. Dhaka, the bustling heart of Bangladesh, has become a stark symbol of this growing catastrophe, consistently ranking among the most polluted cities in the world. On December 5, Dhaka recorded an alarming air pollution score of 341, classified as ‘hazardous.’ The situation only marginally improved on the following day, with the city topping the global air pollution list yet again, recording a score of 248, deemed ‘very unhealthy.’

This grim reality peaked on December 4, 2023, when Dhaka’s AQI soared to 259, maintaining its position as the most polluted city globally. Even earlier, on December 3, Dhaka ranked 7th, with an AQI score of 184, falling into the ‘unhealthy’ category. The situation worsens each year during the dry season, when pollution levels spike dramatically. These numbers are not just data points; they represent an unfolding crisis impacting millions, especially the most vulnerable — children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.

In Bangladesh, air quality is measured through the Air Quality Index, which monitors five critical pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and ozone. An AQI score of 151–200 is considered ‘unhealthy,’ 201–300 is ‘very unhealthy,’ and anything above 300 is categorised as ‘hazardous,’ posing severe health risks to millions of residents.

This is more than a story of numbers; it is a call to action. Dhaka’s air quality tells a tale of neglect, rapid urbanisation, and unchecked pollution, demanding immediate and sustainable solutions. The question is, how much longer can we hold our breath?

Growing air pollution crisis

BANGLADESH has faced chronic air pollution problems for years, and the situation seems to be worsening. According to the IQ Air Report for 2023, Bangladesh has ranked number one globally for air pollution, followed by Pakistan, India, Tajikistan, and Burkina Faso. The average AQI score in Dhaka has risen from 150 in 2016 to 171 in 2023, demonstrating the intensifying nature of the issue. The impact of this air pollution is not just environmental but also health-related. A report by the World Bank highlights that exposure to high levels of air pollution significantly raises the risks of respiratory issues, lower respiratory tract infections, and mental health problems such as depression. Children under five, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions like diabetes or respiratory illnesses are most vulnerable. In 2019 alone, air pollution in Bangladesh caused between 78,145 and 88,229 premature deaths, according to the World Bank report.

Regional comparison and government responses

IN COMPARISON to Dhaka, other cities in South Asia also grapple with unhealthy air quality levels. As of December 4, Delhi’s AQI stood at 172 (unhealthy), while Islamabad’s AQI was 158 (unhealthy), both better than Dhaka’s level. In response to the growing pollution crisis, authorities in Punjab, Pakistan, have launched nearly 200 mobile clinics and increased hospital beds to help residents combat air pollution-related illnesses. Additionally, Pakistan has developed a National Clean Air Plan to address emissions from sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, and waste management.

India, through its National Clean Air Programme, has set specific goals to improve air quality, particularly in 132 cities where air pollution standards are not met. The World Bank is supporting India’s air quality management efforts by providing expertise and financing. India’s focus on reducing emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, promoting electric vehicles, and supplying cleaner cooking fuels to households has played a significant role in addressing the issue.

Root causes of air pollution in Dhaka

DHAKA’S severe air pollution can be attributed to several key factors:

Construction activities: Year-round construction, including roads and buildings, alongside large-scale projects like metro rail and expressways, significantly contributes to the pollution. While environmental guidelines exist, they are rarely followed, and enforcement by authorities is weak.

Brick kilns and factories: Around 1,200 brick kilns near Dhaka, many of which use outdated, polluting methods, contribute significantly to air pollution, emitting pollutants such as carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide. Similarly, factories are responsible for over 50 per cent of air pollution in the region.

Unfit vehicles: A substantial portion of Dhaka’s buses (about 70 per cent) are unfit for operation and emit harmful pollutants. Regulatory bodies have failed to phase out these vehicles despite their negative impact on air quality.

Waste burning: Both official and private waste burning add to the pollution. Methane emissions from landfills and local waste burning exacerbate the already deteriorating air quality.

Cross-border pollution: Air pollution from neighbouring India, especially during the winter months, exacerbates the pollution crisis in Dhaka. Stubble burning and industrial emissions from states like Delhi and Haryana further worsen air quality.

Low rainfall: Below-average rainfall during the dry season limits the natural cleansing effect of rain, leaving pollutants like particulate matter suspended in the air for longer periods.

Health and environmental impact

EXPOSURE to air pollution has far-reaching consequences for public health. In addition to respiratory problems, studies show that air pollution contributes to a range of diseases, including asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer, and cardiovascular conditions. The World Bank Report notes that exposure to poor air quality is linked to premature deaths and rising healthcare costs. The life expectancy of Bangladeshis has also been adversely affected by poor air quality. In 2019, air pollution caused significant loss of life, and its effects are particularly felt during the dry season when pollution levels rise dramatically.

The health risks of air pollution are not confined to physical ailments. Mental health conditions like depression have also been linked to prolonged exposure to polluted air, adding a layer of complexity to the issue.

Global perspective and solutions

GLOBALLY, air pollution remains one of the leading causes of premature death. According to the World Health Organisation, more than 90 per cent of people in low- and middle-income countries are exposed to unsafe levels of air pollution. Air pollution in these regions tends to be more severe than in developed countries due to limited technology, resources, and infrastructure to combat it.

Asia, in particular, has seen a significant rise in air pollution, with regions like East and Southeast Asia suffering from high levels of particulate matter and ground-level ozone. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone are particularly harmful to human health, as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to heart disease, lung cancer, and other fatal diseases.

However, the United Nations Environment Programme believes that the problem is solvable with the right strategies and commitment. Dechen Tsering, the UNEP regional director for Asia and the Pacific, has emphasised that reducing air pollution is not impossible; solutions are available, but they require urgent and coordinated action from governments, industries, and individuals alike.

Solutions to combat air pollution

THE fight against air pollution requires a multi-pronged approach:

Stricter regulations: Governments must enforce stricter environmental regulations, particularly for industries, construction activities, and transportation. This includes monitoring and controlling emissions from brick kilns, factories, and unfit vehicles.

Renewable energy: Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower will significantly reduce emissions from coal and oil-based power generation.

Cleaner transport: Promoting electric vehicles, improving public transportation systems, and encouraging cycling and walking in cities can reduce vehicle emissions.

Better waste management: Investing in proper waste management and recycling systems can reduce the need for waste burning, one of the major contributors to air pollution.

Cross-border cooperation: Countries in South Asia should collaborate to address cross-border pollution, such as controlling stubble burning in India, which exacerbates pollution in neighbouring countries like Bangladesh.

Public awareness and education: Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate citizens about the dangers of air pollution and the steps they can take to reduce their personal contribution, such as using public transportation, reducing waste, and conserving energy.

Individual responsibility: While government action is essential, individuals must also play a part in tackling air pollution. This includes making sustainable choices, such as reducing personal car usage, conserving energy, and supporting clean energy initiatives.

The air pollution crisis in Dhaka and other cities across South Asia is a serious public health threat that requires urgent and sustained action. Governments, industries, and individuals must come together to combat this issue through stricter regulations, cleaner technologies, and better waste management. At the same time, the public must be educated and empowered to make choices that protect both their health and the environment. Only through a collective effort can we hope to reduce air pollution, improve public health, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The time to act is now, and every step we take today will contribute to a cleaner, healthier future.

Nafew Sajed Joy is a writer and researcher.