Dhaka, the overcrowded capital of Bangladesh, ranked 31st among the world’s most polluted cities on Sunday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 66 at 9:30am.

According to the AQI index, Dhaka’s air quality was classified as moderate, indicating a light health concern. Such conditions have persisted over the past few days.

When the AQI value ranges between 50 and 100, the air is considered moderate, posing limited risk mainly to sensitive individuals. Readings between 101–150 indicate unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151–200 unhealthy, 201–300 very unhealthy, and 301+ hazardous.

Globally, Delhi (India), Manila (Philippines), and Jakarta (Indonesia) topped Sunday’s list, with AQI scores of 170, 150, and 145, respectively.

The AQI measures daily air quality based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone (O₃).

Dhaka has long struggled with severe air pollution, particularly during winter, while conditions tend to improve during the monsoon season.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes around seven million deaths globally each year, largely due to heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, chronic respiratory illness, and acute infections.

MN/