সোমবার, ০২ নভেম্বর ২০২৬, ০২:১৩ অপরাহ্ন
DHAKA, Nov 2, 2026 (BSS) – Air quality across Bangladesh has deteriorated sharply following the retreat of the monsoon, with fine particulate matter (PM) levels in the capital rising to unhealthy thresholds, environmental monitoring data shows.
The rapid spike in ambient toxicity has triggered fresh warnings as the country enters its high-risk dry season.
According to the latest daily Air Quality Index (AQI) report published, by the Department of Environment (DoE) on its website on October 26, residents of major cities, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Barishal, Mymensigh and Rangpur, are breathing toxic air since the air quality sharply deteriorated there.
Dhaka’s AQI was 163 on October 26 last, meaning that the capital’s air quality was unhealthy, while the AQI score of Chattogram was 163, Gazipur 160, Narayanganj 176, Mymensigh 184 Rajshahi 132, Barishal 157, Cox’s Bazar 160, Feni 154, Tongi 163, Bagura 167, Rangpur 150 and Tangail 156.
Data from the IQAir Real-Time City Ranking also indicated that Dhaka’s average monthly concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) frequently pushes the capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI) well into the “unhealthy” bracket.
The AQI in Dhaka on November 2 was around 164 to 165 (US AQI scale), which falls into the “Unhealthy” category.
According to the IQAir Global Air Quality Database, Dhaka ranks 4th to 5th among the world’s most polluted cities today, with historical annual particulate averages measuring more than 13 times the World Health Organization (WHO) annual safety guideline of 5 micrograms per cubic metre.
The DoE measures the AQI based on five criteria pollutants: Particulate Matter (PM10) and (PM2.5), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and Ozone (O3).
According to air quality standard set by the DoE, AQI score ranging 0-50 is considered ‘Good’, while AQI 51-100 ‘Moderate’, AQI 101-150 is ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’, AQI 151-200 is ‘Unhealthy’, AQI 201-300 is considered ‘Very Unhealthy’ and AQI score above 301 is hazardous.
Talking to BSS, DoE deputy director (air quality) Dr Mohammad Abdul Motalib said due to the change in weather pattern, air quality deteriorates in Bangladesh in dry season.
During the monsoon, relatively clean air flows over the country from the southern direction and the wind flows from northern direction during the dry season carrying pollutants from the outside Bangladesh, which contributes to air pollution here, he said.
Dr Motalib said the conventional brick kilns begin their operation in full swing during the dry season and pollute the air. Also, he said, dust (MP10) is usually generated more during the dry season.
The DoE has established a countrywide air quality monitoring (AQM) network.
The continuous monitoring of six criteria pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO, NOx and O3) is being done by 31 Continuous Air Monitoring Stations (CAMS) and Compact Continuous Air Monitoring Stations (CCAMS) located in the divisional and industrial districts of the country.
The network encompasses all the regions of the country – Dhaka, Narayanganj Gazipur, Savar, Mymensingh, Narsingdi in the centre, Chattogram in the south-east, Khulna, Cumilla and Barishal in the south, Rajshahi in the west and Sylhet in the north-east regions and Rangpur in the north west of the country.
And CCAMS are located in Faridpur, Jashore, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Gopalganj, Tangail, Bogura, Tongi, BUET campus, Brahmanbaria, Feni, Noakhali, BSRM (Chattogram), Cox’s-Bazar and Nagor Bhaban, Dhaka.
The data and information generated from those stations are automatically collected in the central server and are disseminated through DoE website.
Air Quality Index (AQI) for each city is calculated and published online daily for notifying the public about the status of air quality in their respective city.
