Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, has further topped the global list of cities with the worst air quality. 

At 8:33 am on Tuesday, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a severe 239, classifying the air as “very unhealthy” and posing significant health risks.

This AQI level indicates a severe health threat, with experts urging residents to avoid outdoor activities. 

The AQI system categorizes air quality into several levels, with values above 200 considered “very unhealthy” and those above 300 deemed “hazardous.”

Following Dhaka, Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City, India’s Delhi, and Hanoi ranked second to fourth with AQI scores of 214, 198, and 192, respectively.

Dhaka’s air quality has been a persistent issue, worsening in winter and improving during the monsoon. 

The World Health Organization attributes air pollution to around seven million global deaths annually, highlighting its impact on respiratory and cardiovascular health.

BDST: 1049 HRS, JAN 14, 2025
MN/SMS