Environment ministry suggests keeping tabs on AQI to avoid worst effects of pollution

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change today (26 December) issued a notification regarding the soaring levels of air pollution across Dhaka City as well as the entire country.

The alarming rise in air pollution is contributing to severe health issues, premature deaths and negative impacts on productivity and the economy, the notification said.

The Department of Environment (DoE) continuously monitors air quality through its Air Quality Monitoring Centers and publishes daily updates on the Air Quality Index (AQI) on its official website.

During the dry season, the air quality in Dhaka and its surrounding districts frequently deteriorates from "unhealthy" to "hazardous" levels.

To address this, the DoE has urged citizens to check the real-time AQI on its website (http://doe.portal.gov.bd)) or directly access it via 180.211.164.219:85.

In addition, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued a public health advisory to be followed when the AQI exceeds 250:

When the AQI is 250 or above, people are advised to wear masks outdoors and sensitive individuals—such as those who are ill, elderly or children—should avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary. If possible, the use of air purifiers indoors is recommended.

The release also said that air pollution levels across Dhaka and the entire country surge significantly during the dry season from November to March.

During this period, activities such as brick kiln operations, uncontrolled construction and development, vehicular emissions, burning of solid fuels like firewood for cooking, open burning of municipal waste, industrial emissions and the open transportation of sand, soil and construction materials exacerbate air pollution.

Additionally, transboundary air pollution originating from the northwest of the country accounts for approximately one-third of Dhaka's air pollution, further intensifying the overall situation, it added.