Online Report : Dhaka placed 22nd among cities with the worst air quality on Saturday morning (June 22, 2025), with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 72, according to data recorded at 10:15am.

The city`s air was classified as ‘moderate,’ indicating a light health concern. Under the AQI scale, values between 51 and 100 are considered moderate, posing little risk to the general population but potentially affecting sensitive groups who may need to limit prolonged outdoor activity.

Dhaka’s air has remained at this level for the past few days, a noticeable shift from its usual wintertime status, when air quality typically dips into the ‘unhealthy’ or worse categories. The monsoon season generally helps to improve air conditions in the region.

Globally, Kampala (Uganda), Lahore (Pakistan), and Jakarta (Indonesia) topped the list of most polluted cities Saturday morning, with AQI scores of 186, 166, and 153 respectively—levels considered ‘unhealthy’ by international standards.

The AQI system, used to inform the public about daily air pollution levels and their health effects, evaluates concentrations of five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone.

Dhaka has long struggled with severe air pollution, particularly during the dry winter months. Despite temporary improvements during the rainy season, the city remains among the most polluted in the world.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is a leading global health risk, causing approximately seven million premature deaths each year due to conditions such as stroke, heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, lung cancer, and acute infections.