Dhaka, long plagued by toxic air and suffocating smog, has received a rare breath of relief. For the first time in what feels like years, the city has dropped out of the world's top 15 most polluted cities, according to data from IQAir, a Switzerland-based organization that tracks global air quality.
At 10:00 AM on Friday, Dhaka registered an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 93 - a "moderate" level that, while still not ideal, marks a significant improvement. In comparison to Thursday, the harmful particles in the air had visibly decreased, earning Dhaka the 18th spot on the list - a small but encouraging milestone.
In stark contrast, Delhi once again topped the list with an AQI of 210, well into the "unhealthy" category. Cities like Cairo, Kathmandu, Dubai, and Manama followed closely, each battling high levels of airborne toxins.
These rankings are more than just numbers - they're indicators of lives being lived in hazardous environments, where every breath can come at a cost.
The AQI, which ranges from 0 to 500, categorizes air quality levels from "good" to "hazardous." Anything below 50 is deemed safe; above 100, and it starts becoming a risk for sensitive groups. Beyond 200, it's a threat to everyone. That Dhaka now finds itself below the 100 mark should be recognized - but not romanticized.
Let's not forget the broader picture. Air pollution remains one of the gravest public health crises in the world. The British Medical Journal (BMJ) recently reported that fossil fuel-related pollution alone causes 5.2 million deaths each year.
The World Health Organization's estimate is even grimmer: a staggering 6.7 million annual deaths are linked to both household and ambient air pollution. These numbers are a reminder that even if Dhaka breathes easier for a day or two, millions globally continue to choke on the consequences of industrialization and neglect.
This moment of improved air quality should not be treated as an anomaly, but rather a wake-up call. Policymakers must capitalize on this opportunity to double down on sustainable urban planning, enforce stricter emissions regulations, and invest in green infrastructure. Public awareness and individual action also play vital roles in preserving this fragile progress.
Dhaka's descent on the pollution rankings is a positive note - a rare one - but it must not be the end of the conversation. Instead, it should be the beginning of a broader, sustained movement toward cleaner air for all.
