Bangladesh ranked second among countries with the worst air pollution in 2024, while Dhaka was the third most polluted city in the world. In 2023, Bangladesh topped the list, with Dhaka ranked as the second most polluted city.
Last year, Chad in Africa held the top position for air pollution, while New Delhi, the capital of India, was the most polluted city. This data was published in the Global Air Quality Report 2024 by the Swiss-based organisation IQAir on Tuesday.
Overall, Bangladesh’s air pollution ranking showed a slight improvement compared to the previous year, moving from first to second place. Similarly, Dhaka’s ranking shifted from second to third.
However, environmentalists and researchers do not consider this change significant. They argue that pollution is becoming more widespread, and the report highlights this concerning reality.
Previously, the overall air quality of the country was slightly better than that of the capital. However, this report shows that Bangladesh’s national air quality and that of its most polluted city, Dhaka, are now nearly the same.
Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan told Prothom Alo yesterday, “It is unrealistic to expect significant improvements in air quality within just six months. However, we have taken several measures that give us hope for better air quality in Dhaka and other parts of the country in the upcoming dry season.”
She mentioned that open spaces along Dhaka’s roads would be covered with grass to reduce dust pollution. Additionally, while six magistrates alone cannot monitor all 6,500 brick kilns, efforts will be made to enhance surveillance.