Dhaka ranked 41st among the world's most polluted cities on June 28, 2026, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 66, classified as moderate. The reading came from data collected at 10:00am local time. Johannesburg, Kinshasa, and Lahore topped the list with scores of 189, 166, and 158 respectively. Air quality in this range is considered acceptable for most people but can pose mild risks to sensitive individuals. The AQI scale categorizes readings between 101 and 150 as unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151 to 200 as unhealthy, and 201 to 300 as very unhealthy. Dhaka's score of 66 falls well below these thresholds but still highlights ongoing pollution challenges in the city. For context, persistent poor air quality in urban centers like Dhaka drives higher healthcare costs and reduces quality of life. It also points to broader issues around fossil fuel combustion, industrial emissions, and vehicle pollution that connect directly to carbon reduction goals and climate policy.
