Breathing on borrowed time: Why Bangladesh must act now on air pollution
Air pollution costs Bangladesh thousands of lives and billions in economic losses each year. But a cleaner future is still possible
Dhaka, once called the city of mosques and now better known for its unbearable air, has repeatedly ranked among the world's most polluted capitals. In 2024, Bangladesh held the dubious distinction of being the second most polluted country globally, with PM2.5 levels nearly 15 times higher than the World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline of 5 µg/m³.
In some areas like Gazipur, this invisible killer shaves off up to 8.3 years of life expectancy per resident. The culprit? A cocktail of outdated brick kilns, unregulated construction without adequate safeguard measures, diesel-choked vehicles and household biomass burning — fueled by poverty and policy inertia alike. The cost is not just measured in breathless children or overwhelmed hospitals — it is also counted in lost productivity, economic stagnation and broken lives.
Yet, the crisis is not insurmountable. Through a coordinated blend of policy and regulations, market-based instruments, technological innovation, use of artificial intelligence, and community engagement, Bangladesh can reclaim its blue skies and secure a healthier, more prosperous future.
The scale of the crisis
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Air pollution causes an estimated 102,000 to 235,000 deaths in Bangladesh annually. PM2.5 — fine particulate matter that penetrates deep into the lungs and bloodstream — is linked to ischemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and lower respiratory infections. Children under five are especially vulnerable, with over 19,000 deaths attributed to air pollution in 2021 alone.
The economic consequences are equally severe. The nation loses an estimated 3.9% to 4.4% of its GDP annually — equivalent to $18–20 billion — due to healthcare costs, productivity losses, infrastructure degradation, and premature deaths.
Obsolete brick kilns contribute 30% to 50% of PM2.5 emissions in urban areas like Dhaka, while vehicle emissions, construction dust, household biomass burning, and industrial pollution make up the rest. And up to one-fifth of Dhaka's air pollution is imported from its neighbouring country, highlighting the need for regional cooperation.
What can be done?
Bangladesh has already taken promising steps, including the formulation of National Air Quality Management Plan (NAQMP) 2024–2030, expansion of continuous air quality monitoring stations, and tighter emission standards. But these interventions need to be part of a broader, multi-faceted strategy along with the adoption of a hybrid model.
Policy and regulation
Policy and regulatory measures provide the backbone of air pollution control. Bangladesh has implemented key legal frameworks such as the Environment Conservation Act (1995), the Air Pollution Control Rules (2022), and the Brick Manufacturing and Kiln Establishment Act (2013). These have mandated cleaner brick kiln technologies and set standards for industrial and vehicular emissions.
But traditional "command-and-control" type of enforcement remains weak and ineffective. Many polluting kilns continue to operate illegally, and roadside vehicle inspections are inconsistently applied.
Stronger regulatory capacity, more frequent inspections, and higher penalties for non-compliance can drastically improve air quality.
However, a "command-and-control" type of approach sometimes accelerates corruption due to weak environmental governance. The judiciary has already directed the government to implement real-time alerts and accountability mechanisms — a directive that must be swiftly acted upon.
Market-based approaches
Financial incentives and disincentives are powerful tools for accelerating pollution control and many developed countries have been successfully implementing this tool. Programmes through the Bangladesh Bank, Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) and other agencies provide low-interest loans and subsidies to brick kiln owners transitioning to cleaner zigzag or tunnel kilns. These technologies can cut PM2.5 emissions by up to 40%, with significant health and productivity savings.
Emissions trading systems, pollution taxes, carbon tax and green bonds can further drive industries toward cleaner technologies. Private operators in industry, transport, energy, and construction sectors need to see clear economic advantages to upgrading their practices.
Adoption of "polluter pay principle" and rewarding pollution prevention can shift the cost-benefit calculus in favor of environmental sustainability.
Modernising technology and infrastructure
Bangladesh is already showing how technological intervention can be transformative. The deployment of 16 Continuous Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAMS) across major cities is enabling data-driven decision-making. Investments in clean brick kiln technology, low-sulfur fuels, and renewable energy sources such as solar energy are beginning to pay off.
In transport, electrification of public buses, incentives for using electric vehicles, extension of Dhaka metro lines, stricter emission norms, and better traffic management can significantly reduce vehicular pollution.
In industry, adoption of cleaner production techniques, installation of pollution control devices (air treatment plants), and switching to cleaner fuels are essential.
Appropriate urban planning and infrastructure design can also make a difference. Green belts, permeable pavements in the city, and urban greening projects can capture dust and reduce temperatures. Better solid waste management, especially in urban slums, can curb open burning—a major source of toxic pollutants.
AI and data analytics
AI and machine learning offer unprecedented opportunities for predictive air quality management. Algorithms can analyse traffic patterns, industrial output, weather conditions, and seasonal trends to forecast pollution spikes. Authorities can then issue early warnings, enforce temporary restrictions, or launch awareness campaigns in real time.
Countries like China and Singapore have adopted AI-based air quality monitoring systems to enhance real-time data collection, forecasting, and public health decision-making. Cities such as Beijing and Delhi use AI to manage traffic, industrial emissions, and public alerts, while regional initiatives in the EU and South Korea enhance cross-border pollution tracking.
These AI-enabled systems help governments make data-driven decisions, optimise interventions, and protect vulnerable populations from air pollution risks. AI can also help prioritise areas for enforcement or investment, making limited resources go further.
Institutionalising AQHI for real-time health protection
To address the escalating public health threats posed by Dhaka's severe air pollution — driven by brick kilns, construction dust, and industrial emissions — there is an urgent need to institutionalise the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) as a real-time public health management tool.
This requires strengthening monitoring networks, integrating AI and satellite data, and calibrating the AQHI to local health realities. Clear, colour-coded public advisories should be disseminated widely through SMS, media, and community channels, especially to protect vulnerable groups.
During high-risk periods (November–May), critical AQHI thresholds must trigger immediate responses such as school closures, restricted outdoor work, mobile health services, and suspension of pollution-heavy activities.
Effective AQHI implementation hinges on robust inter-agency coordination — particularly among the health and environment ministries, city corporations, and healthcare providers — with real-time data sharing and unified emergency protocols.
Community-level engagement through ward action plans and school-based awareness is vital. Over the long term, integrating AQHI into urban planning and pollution control policies can safeguard public health and enhance economic productivity across Dhaka.
Community engagement
Ultimately, the fight against air pollution must be people-centric. Public awareness campaigns, citizen science initiatives, youth-led campaigns, school-based programs, and partnerships with city corporations, NGOs, media and charity organisations are crucial for changing the behaviour of citizens.
Bangladesh's 74% rural population still relies heavily on biomass and fossil fuels for cooking. Promoting clean cookstoves and alternative fuels can drastically reduce indoor air pollution, especially for women and children. Urban residents must also be engaged in reducing construction dust, adopt proper safeguard measures, managing waste responsibly, and supporting clean transportation.
Community monitoring, mobile court enforcement, and participatory planning can bridge the trust gap between regulators and residents. As seen in the transition from traditional brick kilns to improved zigzag and tunnel kiln models, change is possible when communities, government, and development partners work together.
A breath of fresh air is within reach
The cost of inaction is too high. Every year, air pollution steals lives, health, and wealth from Bangladesh. But every cleaner kiln, every upgraded vehicle, every data point collected and every child breathing easier is a step toward recovery.
By combining strong policy enforcement, market incentives, technological modernisation, AI-driven insights, and citizen participation, Bangladesh can lead South Asia in building a cleaner, healthier future. The air may be heavy today, but the opportunity to clear it is within our grasp.
Let us act — before the last breath becomes a statistic.
Arif Muhammad Faisal works at UNDP Bangladesh.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of his employer or The Business Standard.
