Dhaka, the overcrowded capital of Bangladesh, has ranked as the city with the worst air quality globally, registering an AQI score of 171 at 9:05 am on Wednesday. 

The air quality was classified as "unhealthy," posing significant health risks for residents.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) categorizes air quality as follows: 50-100 is moderate, 101-150 is unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151-200 is unhealthy, 201-300 is very unhealthy, and 301+ is hazardous. 

Dhaka’s score falls into the "unhealthy" range, which could affect vulnerable groups, including children and people with respiratory issues.

Cities such as Beijing (AQI 167), Kampala (AQI 161), and Chiang Mai (AQI 160) followed Dhaka on the list. The AQI is based on five pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.

Air pollution has been a longstanding issue in Dhaka, particularly during the winter months, though it improves in the monsoon season. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) attributes approximately seven million deaths annually to air pollution, primarily due to diseases like stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer.

BDST: 1100 HRS, MAR 05, 2025
MN