What’s Happening to Air Quality in Dhaka?

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is one of the fastest-growing megacities in the world. However, its progress comes with a heavy price. The air quality in Dhaka has been consistently ranked among the worst globally, especially during winter months. From vehicular emissions to unregulated construction and brick kilns, the sources of pollution are diverse and deeply embedded in the urban fabric. Understanding the causes and consequences is crucial to crafting effective solutions.

Major Causes of Air Pollution in Dhaka

Vehicular Emissions

Dhaka’s roads are choked with aging buses, trucks, and rickshaws emitting large amounts of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter. Poor traffic management and fuel inefficiency worsen the problem.

Brick Kilns and Construction Dust

Thousands of illegal and outdated brick kilns operating around the city burn coal and wood, releasing toxic smoke. Simultaneously, unregulated construction creates airborne dust, especially in dry seasons. These two sources alone contribute significantly to PM2.5 levels.

Industrial Pollution

Unmonitored factories in areas like Narayanganj and Gazipur dump pollutants into the air, with little to no adherence to environmental guidelines.

Seasonal Variations and Wind Patterns

Air pollution spikes during winter when cooler air traps pollutants near the ground. Wind patterns also shift, carrying smoke from brick kilns toward the city center.

Health Impact of Poor Air Quality

The effects of air quality in Dhaka on public health are alarming. Respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are on the rise. Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable.

Studies show a direct link between prolonged exposure to poor air and increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, and even cognitive decline. Hospitals in Dhaka frequently report spikes in respiratory illness cases during high pollution months.

How Is the Government Responding?

• Monitoring Stations: Air quality monitoring stations have been set up across key locations in Dhaka to track pollution levels in real time.
• Clean Air Acts: The Department of Environment has introduced regulations to limit emissions from brick kilns and industrial zones.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives to educate citizens on mask usage, staying indoors during peak pollution, and planting trees are underway.

What Citizens Can Do

Improving air quality in Dhaka is a collective effort. Here are some ways individuals can contribute:

• Use public transportation or carpool to reduce emissions.
• Advocate for clean energy and green building practices.
• Plant trees and maintain rooftop gardens to absorb pollutants.
• Support and share accurate information from platforms like climate change articles on ZoomBangla.

Technological and Community Innovations

Innovations such as low-cost air purifiers, sensor networks, and mobile apps that alert citizens about pollution hotspots are gaining popularity. NGOs are installing vertical gardens and green walls in schools and hospitals to improve localized air quality.

Collaborations between city planners, tech startups, and global researchers are fostering smart city models for pollution management.

FAQs

Why is air quality in Dhaka so poor?

Major reasons include vehicular emissions, brick kilns, industrial waste, and construction dust.

When is air pollution at its peak in Dhaka?

Pollution levels rise during the winter months (November to February).

What is PM2.5 and why is it dangerous?

PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter less than 2.5 microns wide, small enough to enter the bloodstream and damage lungs and heart.

Is the government taking steps to improve air quality?

Yes, through regulations on brick kilns, monitoring systems, and public awareness drives.

How can I protect myself from air pollution in Dhaka?

Wear masks, use air purifiers indoors, and stay indoors during high pollution periods.

The air quality in Dhaka is a pressing urban crisis that threatens public health and quality of life. While the causes are complex, the solutions are within reach—through collective awareness, policy implementation, and technological advancement. The future of Dhaka depends on the air we breathe. It’s time to act—before it’s too late.