Dhaka, the heart of Bangladesh and our dream capital, has today turned into a brutal reflection of modern urban civilization. Wherever we look, the evidence is unmistakable: a thick blanket of smoke covering the sky, the black toxic breath of vehicles on the roads, smoke pouring from factory chimneys, dust from endless construction projects, indiscriminate burning of waste, and uncontrolled smoking. Together, these factors have made air pollution in Dhaka feel like a systematic act of drinking poison every day.
Air pollution refers to the disruption of the natural balance of the atmosphere caused by harmful and toxic substances, whether natural or human-made. Although air pollution has multiple causes and sources, in Bangladesh it is largely driven by human activity. Unplanned urbanization, uncontrolled industrialization, and a persistent disregard for environmental protection laws are gradually turning Dhaka into an unlivable city. The capital, in particular, has become trapped in a daily curse of polluted air.
According to United Nations reports and various studies, about 36.6 to 41.9 million people live in Dhaka, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world. This massive population pressure, combined with an unplanned transport system and rapid industrial expansion, is steadily poisoning the city's air. As a result, Dhaka almost always appears among the top ten most polluted cities in the world according to the Air Quality Index (AQI).
The situation becomes even more alarming during winter. From November to March, Dhaka's air quality frequently reaches "unhealthy" to "hazardous" levels, where breathing itself feels like deliberately inhaling poison. At times, the AQI rises to 270-300, which is considered "very unhealthy" or even an "emergency" level. During winter, dust particles, smoke from brick kilns, industrial emissions, and black smoke from vehicles remain trapped in the atmosphere due to low rainfall and stagnant air, causing pollution levels to spike sharply.
Although air pollution decreases somewhat during the monsoon season due to rainfall, the dry season becomes disastrous. Research shows that nearly 65 percent of Dhaka's total air pollution occurs during this period. Consequently, like almost 99 percent of the world's population, the people of Dhaka are forced to breathe air that exceeds the safety standards set by the World Health Organization. Areas such as Gazipur, Dhaka, and Narayanganj frequently top the list of the most polluted regions in Bangladesh. While some districts are relatively less polluted, air pollution has now become a nationwide crisis.
Globally, around 4.2 million premature deaths occur every year due to air pollution, most of which are caused by outdoor air pollution. In Bangladesh, the major sources include black smoke from vehicles, industrial emissions, burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas, brick kilns, dust from construction activities, excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, and open burning of waste. From these sources, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matter such as PM2.5 mix into the air, creating a deadly threat to human lungs and hearts.
The impact of air pollution is directly visible in public health. In Dhaka, respiratory diseases, asthma, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer are increasing at an alarming rate. Children's brain development is being hampered, while the elderly remain the most vulnerable. Beyond health, the economy and the environment are also suffering severe damage due to extreme air pollution. Experts warn that if this situation continues, Dhaka may soon become an uninhabitable city.
Therefore, without immediate and effective action, Bangladesh faces a frightening future. Controlling air pollution now requires coordinated efforts at personal, social, and state levels. At the personal level, people must walk and cycle more, reduce unnecessary vehicle use, avoid smoking, plant trees, and stop burning waste. At the social level, civil society must raise its voice against illegal brick kilns and polluting factories, participate in environmentally friendly initiatives, and spread awareness.
The responsibility of the state is even greater. Strict enforcement of laws to control emissions from vehicles and industries is essential. Brick kilns must be modernized, renewable energy investments increased, public transport expanded, electric vehicles promoted, waste management improved, and green projects strengthened. Deforestation must be discouraged, forests protected, and regular tree-planting programs properly maintained. These measures will help absorb carbon dioxide, increase oxygen levels, and restore environmental balance.
By following sustainable policies adopted by other developing countries, Bangladesh can also succeed in controlling air pollution. However, this requires strong political will, strict laws, effective fines, and continuous monitoring. With international cooperation and increased public awareness, this crisis can be overcome.
In the end, air pollution is not merely an environmental issue; it is a crisis of our very existence. If we fail to act today, we will leave behind a toxic city for the next generation, where breathing itself will be the greatest challenge. Therefore, with the highest sense of responsibility at personal, social, and state levels, we must act now. Making Dhaka's sky clean again is one of the greatest responsibilities of our time.
The writer is a student of Eden Mohila College
