Dhaka ranked ninth on the list of cities with the worst air quality on Sunday (May 18) morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 122 at 9:50am, a level classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”

According to the AQI scale, this level of pollution poses health risks to vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.

Doha, Manama, and Chengdu topped the list with AQI scores of 231, 219, and 191, respectively.

Dhaka, which struggles with air pollution year-round, typically sees worsening conditions in winter and some relief during the monsoon season.

As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year. 

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