Dhaka ranked 38th among cities with the worst air quality on Wednesday morning (June 18, 2025), recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 64 at 10:15 am.
The city’s air was classified as ‘moderate,’ indicating a light health risk, marking the third consecutive day of similar conditions.
According to the AQI scale, a reading between 50 and 100 is considered ‘moderate,’ which may affect sensitive individuals who should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activity. Higher levels range from ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ (101-150) to ‘hazardous’ (301+), posing serious health risks.
Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh topped the list with an AQI of 159, followed closely by Pakistan’s Lahore and the UAE’s Dubai, both at 158.
The AQI measures pollution levels based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone.
Dhaka has long faced challenges with air pollution, especially in winter when air quality often worsens, while the monsoon season usually brings some improvement.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that air pollution is responsible for an estimated seven million deaths globally each year, linked to stroke, heart disease, lung conditions, and respiratory infections.
SR
