Dhaka, the overcrowded capital of Bangladesh, ranked third among cities with the worst air quality on Friday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 161 at 9:25am. 

The air was classified as "unhealthy," posing a serious health risk, especially for vulnerable groups.

On Thursday, Dhaka had topped the global list with an AQI of 183, marking the worst air quality in the world on the last working day of the week.

The AQI scale categorizes air between 150–200 as "unhealthy," meaning the entire population may experience health effects, with sensitive groups at even greater risk. 

Dakar (Senegal), Lahore (Pakistan), and Delhi (India) ranked first, second, and fourth respectively, with AQI scores of 275, 164, and 160.

Air pollution in Bangladesh is primarily driven by high concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. 

Dhaka’s air typically worsens in winter and sees some relief during the monsoon.

According to the World Health Organization, air pollution causes an estimated seven million deaths globally each year, linked to heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory infections.

BDST: 1137 HRS, April 18, 2025
MN