The unseen cost of Dhaka’s toxic air

Every year, more than 230,000 people in Bangladesh die from diseases linked to air pollution.

Imagine, for a moment, walking through the streets of Dhaka on a cold winter morning. The smog hangs thick in the air, wrapping the city in a grey blanket. The sun, struggling to break through, casts a dull light over the buildings. This isn't just an unpleasant sight, it's a sign of a public health emergency. The "State of Global Air 2024" report confirms what many of us already know—Dhaka has one of the worst air quality in the world, consistently ranking among the top cities with hazardous pollution levels. On one particular morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Dhaka was measured at 291—labelled "very unhealthy." This means that every breath we take in Dhaka carries harmful particles that can damage our lungs, hearts, and even brains.