When the Air Itself Cries Out

Dhaka continues to rank among the world’s most polluted cities, with recent Air Quality Index (AQI) readings placing it between the 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' and 'unhealthy' categories. Depending on the day, the city’s position in global rankings has shifted, at times rising as high as third place. Such levels of pollution pose clear risks to public health, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.

Across Bangladesh, urban centers like Khulna and Rajshahi have also seen worsening air quality, reflecting a nationwide challenge. Khulna reached an AQI of 229, categorizing it as “very unhealthy,” while Rajshahi—once praised for significant air quality improvements—has experienced a marked decline. Experts tie these developments to weather patterns, industrial emissions, and a lack of consistent rainfall that might otherwise disperse airborne particles.

According to recent research from the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute, air pollution is now the most severe external threat to life expectancy in Bangladesh, reducing average lifespans by more than five years. As the data continues to highlight the human cost of smog-filled skies, the urgency of addressing the environmental crisis has grown, compelling cities and national authorities to consider long-term measures for cleaner air.