Toxic air puts Dhaka residents at risk of death

For the past few years, during the dry season, Dhaka has consistently ranked among the top five most polluted cities in the world. Most of the time, it holds the top position. According to IQAir, Dhaka's air quality is classified as “very unhealthy.” Medical experts warn that the city’s persistent air pollution poses severe health risks. This toxic air is extremely harmful to people of all ages, to the extent that it puts lives at risk.

A study conducted by BUET on Dhaka’s air pollution in 2024 revealed that the city's average air quality index (AQI) score, according to IQAir, was 210, which is considered “very unhealthy.” This trend has continued into 2025. Between January 1 and January 31, 2025, Dhaka ranked between first and third among the most polluted cities in the world. IQAir classifies air quality based on AQI scores:

0–50: Good

51–100: Moderate

101–150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups

151–200: Unhealthy

201–300: Very unhealthy

301+: Hazardous


Severe Health Risks Due to Air Pollution: Doctors' Opinions

Lung and Brain Damage Risks

Prof. A.T.M. Mosharraf Hossain, Department of Neurosurgery, BSMMU, told Views Bangladesh:
"Air pollution can cause severe damage to the lungs and brain. Fine particles enter the bloodstream through inhalation, increasing the risk of brain hemorrhage and various types of strokes, which can be fatal."

Increased Risk of Heart Attacks

Prof. Dr. S.M. Mostafa Zaman, Department of Cardiology, BSMMU, stated:
"Dhaka’s severe air pollution has significantly increased the risk of heart attacks among residents, becoming one of the leading causes of death in the capital. Polluted air directly enters the bloodstream, leading to arterial blockages that trigger heart attacks. There is no solution other than reducing air pollution."

Respiratory Issues and Chronic Diseases

Dr. Rupam, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, explained:
"Air pollution acts as a silent killer for Dhaka residents. Prolonged exposure to toxic air leads to various chronic diseases. Many people don't even realize that their illnesses are caused by air pollution."

Complications in Pregnant Women and Newborns

Prof. Dr. Tripti Rani Das, Head of the Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, BSMMU, noted:
"Pregnant women are among the worst affected by air pollution. Exposure to toxic air increases the risk of premature birth, excessive bleeding, and complications during delivery. One major concern is that air pollution contributes to autism in newborns by disrupting brain development in the womb."

Mental Health Disorders

Prof. Dr. Md. Mohsin Ali Shah, Department of Psychiatry, BSMMU, explained:
"Air pollution increases the risk of schizophrenia and bipolar mood disorder. It also contributes to depression, anxiety, fatigue, memory loss, mental confusion, irritability, and even suicidal tendencies. Simply treating these conditions is not enough; a pollution-free environment is necessary to prevent them."

Severe Impact on Children’s Health

Prof. Dr. Manik Kumar Talukdar, Department of Pediatrics, BSMMU, said:
"Dhaka’s polluted air contains high levels of nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide, which severely damage children's developing respiratory systems. This can lead to immediate illnesses like pneumonia and bronchiolitis, as well as long-term conditions like asthma and bronchitis. The harmful air also affects children's cognitive development and neurological health."

Skin Diseases and Reproductive Health Issues

Prof. Muhammad Munir Rashid, Department of Dermatology & Venereology, BSMMU, stated:
"Air pollution leads to a decrease in oxygen levels and an increase in carbon monoxide in the atmosphere. This imbalance causes skin inflammation, leading to eczema, dermatitis, allergies, and acne. Additionally, it contributes to reduced fertility, testicular problems, hormonal imbalances, and sexual health disorders in both men and women."

High Court’s Orders to Reduce Air Pollution Remain Ignored

In 2020, the High Court issued nine directives to combat air pollution:

1. Seizing vehicles that emit black smoke.


2. Sprinkling water on Dhaka’s roads regularly.


3. Covering trucks transporting waste, sand, and soil.


4. Permanently shutting down unlicensed brick kilns.


5. Covering construction sites properly.


6. Implementing the Road Transport Act 2018 to regulate old vehicles and ban outdated ones.


7. Ensuring that mega construction projects follow legal and contractual terms.


8. Packaging and storing market and shop waste properly for city authorities to collect.


9. Banning tire burning and battery recycling without environmental clearance.

Despite these directives, no significant action has been taken. On January 12, 2025, the environmental organization Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB) filed a supplementary petition with the High Court to investigate why these directives remain unimplemented.

On the same day, the High Court, under Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury, expressed deep concern over Dhaka’s worsening air quality. The court ordered the authorities to take effective measures to curb air pollution and submit a compliance report by February 5, 2025.