DHAKA – Dhaka air quality plunged to an index of 235 on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The capital battles very unhealthy conditions driven by winter inversions and emissions. This places it second worldwide for pollution. Health experts warn of immediate risks to vulnerable groups.
Bangladesh faces a deepening air pollution crisis that mirrors challenges across South Asia. Cities like Delhi and Lahore report similar spikes, affecting over 100 million people regionally. Poor air quality fuels respiratory diseases and economic losses estimated at billions annually. The issue demands urgent cross-border strategies to protect urban populations.
Bangladesh AQI Exposes Dhaka’s Peril
The Bangladesh AQI system gauges pollution from PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Scores above 200 signal very unhealthy air. On December 3, Dhaka recorded 235 at 9:50am, per monitoring stations. This exceeds safe limits by over 15 times the World Health Organisation’s annual guideline of 5µg/m³ for PM2.5.
Department of Environment data shows consistent unhealthy readings. In November 2025, daily averages hovered between 150 and 250. Early 2025 reports confirm the trend, with January 1 AQI at 222, PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant. Officials note seasonal patterns worsen the problem.
Dhaka ranked second globally that morning, trailing Delhi’s 283. Lahore followed at 230, Kolkata at 203. Such rankings underscore South Asia’s shared burden, where brick kilns and traffic contribute heavily.
Dhaka Unhealthy Air Triggers Health Alerts
Dhaka unhealthy air now poses acute threats. The AQI category prompts warnings for all residents. Sensitive groups, including children and the elderly, must avoid outdoors. Short-term exposure links to strokes, heart disease, and lung infections.
World Health Organisation figures reveal air pollution claims seven million lives yearly worldwide. In Bangladesh, it exacerbates chronic conditions. Local hospitals report surges in asthma cases during winter peaks.
Experts link the crisis to emissions. Vehicular exhaust accounts for 40 per cent of pollutants, per government assessments. Brickfields add soot, especially in dry months. Construction dust and industrial fumes compound the load.
CAPS Chairman Ahmed Kamruzzaman Majumder highlighted the decline. “We are witnessing a continuous decline in Dhaka’s air quality, and this year’s dry season is setting records for pollution.” His group analysed US Embassy data from 2017 to 2025, showing January averages rose to 318 this year from 255 historically. Government monitors 31 stations nationwide. Continuous Air Quality Monitoring Stations provide real-time inputs. Yet, data gaps persist in rural areas, limiting full oversight.
Dhaka PM2.5 Levels Breach Critical Thresholds
Dhaka PM2.5 levels drive the Bangladesh AQI escalation. Fine particles under 2.5 microns penetrate lungs deeply. Recent dry season averages hit 195µg/m³, four times wet season figures of 54µg/m³. This dwarfs the 24-hour WHO limit of 15µg/m³.
On December 2, PM2.5 reached 110.2µg/m³, contributing to an AQI of 189. Projections suggest similar or higher for December 3. Annual means from 2010-2019 ranged 63.6 to 91.9µg/m³, but 2025 trends indicate worsening. Studies tie high PM2.5 to hospital admissions. A June 2025 analysis found annual AQI in unhealthy ranges correlated with respiratory spikes. In Dhaka’s Export Processing Zone, 2019-2023 data showed PM2.5 exceeding standards monthly.
Mitigation targets cleaner fuels. The 2022 two-stroke vehicle ban aims to cut emissions. Intersection upgrades from the 2010 Clean Air project improved flow, reducing idling.
Background: Decades of Escalating Pollution
Dhaka’s air woes trace to rapid urbanisation. Population swelled to 24.7 million, fuelling emissions. The 2014 Supreme Court push for monitoring stations laid groundwork. Yet, enforcement lagged.
The National Air Quality Management Plan 2024-2030 sets ambitious goals. It seeks PM2.5 reductions to 30µg/m³ in Dhaka by 2030, from current highs. Brick kiln tech shifts to cleaner models form a pillar. International aid, including World Bank projects, supports station expansions. Winter inversions trap pollutants, amplifying Dhaka unhealthy air. Monsoons offer relief, but dry spells dominate concerns. Regional comparisons show Lahore’s PM2.5 at similar elevations, prompting SAARC-level talks.
Annual reports from the Department of Environment track progress. November 2025 data showed fluctuations, with peaks mirroring December patterns. Public awareness campaigns urge mask use and tree planting.
What’s Next for Dhaka Air Quality Improvement
Authorities plan stricter enforcement. The October 2024 honking ban extends to noise pollution links with air quality. Vehicle fitness tests ramp up in 2026. Community monitoring apps empower citizens. The plan forecasts more good days annually. Collaboration with India and Pakistan could address transboundary haze. Funding allocations total BDT 5 billion for 2025-2030 initiatives. Dhaka PM2.5 levels demand innovation. Electric bus fleets and green belts offer hope. Success hinges on compliance. Dhaka air quality improvements will shape South Asia’s environmental narrative. Cleaner air promises healthier futures for millions, curbing the unhealthy toll on productivity and lives.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 3rd, 2025
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