Dhaka's Persistent Unhealthy Air Quality
Analysis based on 13 articles · First reported Feb 26, 2026 · Last updated Mar 03, 2026
The persistent severe air pollution in cities like Bangladesh — Dhaka Division, Pakistan — Lahore, and India — Delhi poses significant public health risks, potentially leading to increased healthcare costs and reduced productivity. While not directly impacting financial markets, it can indirectly affect industries such as healthcare and tourism, and may influence long-term investment decisions in affected regions.
Bangladesh — Dhaka Division, the capital of Bangladesh, has consistently ranked among the world's most polluted cities, with Air Quality Index (AQI) scores frequently classified as 'unhealthy' to 'very unhealthy'. Other major cities like Pakistan — Lahore in Pakistan, India — Delhi and India — Kolkata in India, Nepal — Kathmandu in Nepal, Iraq — Baghdad in Iraq, Uzbekistan — Tashkent in Uzbekistan, and Senegal — Dakar in Senegal also appear on the list of cities with poor air quality. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. Air quality typically worsens in winter and improves during the monsoon season. The World Health Organization estimates that air pollution causes approximately seven million deaths globally each year, primarily from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
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