Dhaka recorded an Air Quality Index score of 167 on Monday morning, putting the city in the unhealthy range and ranking it sixth among the world's most polluted cities. The AQI reading at 8:05 am placed Dhaka behind Hanoi, Kolkata, and Jakarta. An AQI between 151 and 200 is classified as unhealthy, meaning the air can cause health effects for the general population, with more serious risks for sensitive groups. The index in Bangladesh is calculated from five pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and ozone. PM2.5 is typically the dominant concern in Dhaka because fine particles can enter the lungs and bloodstream. The article gives a snapshot of the city's air quality, but does not break down which pollutant is driving the score or what the main emission sources are. For residents, the practical takeaway is to limit prolonged outdoor exertion when AQI readings stay above 150. For policymakers, the reading is a reminder that short-term fixes are not enough; reducing vehicle emissions, controlling construction dust, and enforcing industrial limits are what would move the needle over time.
