Dhaka ranked 36th on the list of cities with the worst air quality on Friday morning, with an AQI score of 68 at 11:20 am, indicating a "moderate" level of pollution, according to the Air Quality Index (AQI).

The classification suggests a slight health concern for sensitive individuals. This moderate air quality has persisted for several days, according to the index.

Indonesia’s Jakarta, Uganda’s Kampala, and Vietnam’s Hanoi topped the list with AQI scores of 167, 167, and 166, respectively.

Dhaka, long plagued by air pollution—especially in winter—typically sees improved air during the monsoon. Bangladesh’s AQI is based on five pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that air pollution causes an estimated 7 million deaths globally each year due to related illnesses.

MN/